To the future me,
Even if you think your all grown up now, people can always learn and change. I don’t want you to forget the pure and honest mind of the little girl inside of you. Don’t let anything hold you back from pursuing your dreams, and don’t be afraid to follow them. Fight for what you believe in, and if the going gets tough, remember the strength that I know you have. Stay cool and follow your gut.
I’m counting on you.

Dear Megan,

Don’t give up on your dreams. There will be people who will put you down, and tell you that you can’t do it. Ignore them and know that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Remember that is the one thing you have been told throughout your whole life. Don’t give into the medias view of how a women should look. Chances are their ideal women is as about as real as a unicorn prancing around main street.

Dear Annie: when you have to face between your dreams and a love, always go for your dreams because at the end sometimes love is not enough.

Dear little girl Patti,

Always trust your gut!!! Don’t ever let someone convince you that what you feel is wrong. I promise your gut will never steer you wrong. It will keep you safe.

You grown up.

Dear Wonderful Aging Self. You have lived a terrific life. Your goals of having met your bucket list is complete. Now you have to reach for the Stars in the Heavens. Welcome Home!

Dear younger self…I just want to give you a little heads up. Life is not going to be the easy going masterpiece you are imagining at this very moment. Its going to be tough; your going to have struggles to overcome and big decisions that aren’t going to be easy to make. At times your going to feel lost and alone and think there’s no possible way things are going to get better. I just want to tell you to keep your head up and look forward to the future because even though things may seem at there worse it all gets better and your never truly alone. So stay strong and be happy knowing that you turn out better then you ever dreamed you would.

Dear younger self, a quick note from older self.
Start exercising now, make it a habit- trust me on this
Lighten up on yourself and other people.
Lastly invest in a little money in a company called Apple, you won’t regret it.
Good luck and watch out for that El Torino on Euclid.

Dear past self,
Don’t take yourself too seriously! There are enough games in the world with rules to follow. This is your life, you can make your own rules. The only result is death and that’s happening anyway, weather you followed them or not. Make it your own; copy, transform, combine.
Love.

Always say I love you, and follow your intuition

Dear Younger Self,

I have not figured anything out in all these years, so my advice is unlikely to be of much help to you. And you never listened to anyone anyway, so why would you listen to me?

Still, I can impart to you two pieces of information I hope you will use wisely.
1. You will regret not the things you did, but the things you didn’t do.
2. Hyperno wins the 1979 Melbourne Cup.

Have a good life.

Wake up and Live! Like the old jazz tune implores, life is short. Don’t be content with the bitter side of sweet; you do have the power to choose. So choose to live. Choose to cast aside those fears of failure that keep you on the edge of living. Get up, get going, get living. That novel you fear may not be in you, that habit you dread may ultimately define you. You set the foundation for that reality when you give in to inertia. The path to a sweeter life is in your hands. But you can’t grasp it if you don’t reach.

Take a deep breath …Life will have MANY ups and down, even when you think you are not strong enough to make it through you surprise yourself each time. Hold on to your values don’t change yourself for ANYONE and remember to SMILE!….Oh and you will have to amazing children that will make every hurdle worth it!!!

Dear Steve in the Past:

Listen

Steve

Dearest One,

Remember that day when your doctor said that you were in early menopause? It’s not menopause. It’s ovarian cancer. Go back to the doctor today.

<3

It is what it is. No more, no less. Embrace it!

Write without fear, for fear will hold you back when you most need to trust to the sure knowledge that you can fly. Your reality is what you make of it.

Don’t try and change yourself to make someone else happy. You are perfect just how you are.

Dear Yvonne of the Future:

Please remember to focus more on the quality of whatever you have left and less on the quantity of time. Take time to reflect on all you’ve accomplished, including the lives on which you’ve had a positive impact, and don’t get so wrought up about what you haven’t yet been able to do. Finally, and above all, eat more pie!

Hey Grown Up Beth,
Remember not to lose the kid within. Read A Wrinkle In Time at least yearly. From, Kid Beth

Hey Kid Beth,
I haven’t lost you; you will always be with me. And yes, I re-read A Wrinkle in Time ever so often. It reminds me of you.
Love, Grown Up Beth

Dear Bre,

Just because others don’t share in your dreams doesn’t mean they won’t come true! Sit on a rock in the middle of a garden and let the moon shine in your eyes knowing that you could one day touch it!
Bre when you feel like you aren’t loved and the whole world is against you do not forget that your dreams will never leave you if you keep them alive within yourself. Right now you are 11 and you use your books to escape the reality you live in, it sucks I know. I know that you work hard in school so that you can literally escape your environment when you grow up, but please enjoy your childhood, unfortunately you only have it for a few more years.
Take a ride with Milo and Tock, wrinkle from planet to planet with Meg, and for goodness sakes walk through the freaking wardrobe!!
When you actually see that the moon and stars are not out of your reach, don’t forget your feelings of loneliness, remember to share your love and encouragement. I think you are the greatest and one day you will write about the life, pain, love, children with amazing imaginations and lots of other great things. You will measure your success in cups of happiness and not dollar bills. You will find love then lose it again, then one day it will find you and hold on. Indulge your imagination,learn, push toward your dreams, love yourself even when you hate to and shine my darling girl. Don’t ever forget to shine.
Love,
Me

Dear future me,

Never forget those who always stood beside you, cherish each moment with your loved ones, fight endlessly for he who holds your heart and walk tall knowing you are unique and valuable.

Of all the lives you could have lived, why did you live the one you did? What would you do over? What would you do the same? If you had another life to live, how would you live it?

Trust your gut feeling and do not marry him. You deserve more, you are worth more than you think.

All that bad stuff you wish wasn’t happening? Let it happen. You need that with the good stuff to make you a good person, friend, spouse, and parent.

Oh, honey, if you could only see how skinny you really are and ENJOY IT instead of perpetually finding fault. It’s a shame you’ll have to be fat and 50-something before you realize that you must CHOOSE to like yourself regardless of your body, and DO IT!

Dearest Past or Future You-that-is-Me,

Understand that the gift of time is change. Nothing stays fixed, and everything passes. Embrace this with joy–savor the wonderful moments and allow this knowledge to help carry you through your darkest hours. As long as you are living (and here we are), you will roll forward to different days. Remember this.

Life is a mystery, but a grand one. The most exciting experiences come from taking risks, from stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Don’t worry about what people think of you. Your rare perspective has always been your best feature. People will come and go in your life– your friends are the ones that sincerely like you enough to stick. Everyone is insecure, yourself included. Remain kind and understanding of this, even when others might be treating you poorly.

Looking forward and looking back– you’ve done all right for yourself! What a wonderful, adventuresome life!

Hang in there.

Love,

Lisa.jane

Dear past Me,
- Don’t cut your own bangs!
- Give your “type A” self a break. It really doesn’t matter in the end.
- Do NOT start smoking! It’s going to be a BIG deal to quit.
- Give the guy with the blue eyes another chance.
- Listen to what your kids say. Out of the mouth of babes…
- Wear a helmet more often, but don’t stop doing things.
- Carry a camera. No one is going to believe what you’re going to see. Trust me on this!

And remember to stop putting things off. Sometimes it is too late.

When your mother says, “There’s your grandfather,” RUN after him. It’s your last chance to ever meet him!

I wish you were here to see what your life is going to be.
You had a lot of expectations and ideas about your future, which, I am sorry to say, were just dreams.
So, my advice to you is to build your life for yourself and stop thinking that love conquers all!

Dear Past Flo,
Those insecurities you worry about don’t mean as much as you think. Stop worrying about what you come off as, or wether this or that about you is good. Be comfortable with yourself. Clumsy, smart, geeky, klutzy, misspelling, forget about all of it. In the end people will like you so very much more for your ability to like yourself. Once self-judgement stops it is easier to deal with all the other petty thoughts. People have a way of picking up on this. They feel safer around you, and you get to see a deeper and more beautiful side of life because of it.
With parables and prose of practice,
Future Flo

Dear Past Self,
Don’t be scared to take risks. Live life to the fullest and let go of the past. Things will get hard but you need to learn to let it all go.
Remember to follow your dreams of being a author. It will all work out one day.

Love,
Brianna
x

To my Younger Self,

Be wary of those who erode your confidence; you are so much more than you think you are. You will make mistakes, but you will learn from them, and find the courage to speak your mind and heart.

Most Kindly,

Your Future Self

P.S. Drunken conversations with inanimate statues seem hilarious at the time, but will haunt many conversations with those present in the years to come. Just fair warning.

Sweetheart,
You are incredibly strong. You have a wonderful, difficult, awe-inspiring past. Continue to embrace it. Life is always worth the tough days. There will be a boy who loves you but isn’t ready to and ends up tearing your heart into a million pieces. But, the best part is, you will always have people to put you back together. Always. They’ll be there to catch you, hold you while you cry, and dance with you the day you realize that you’re free. Keep your emotions. They’re what make you, you. You will never be able to be heartless and cold, and that, dear, is an absolutely astounding trait.

Summed up, keep loving.

People will disappoint and hurt you, but they’ll also give you a reason to keep living. Your love will always be returned, even if it’s from a place different than where you invested it.

Dear, it will always be okay in the end.
I promise.

With more love than you know you posses,
- Your Future Self.

Little Gina,

Never part from someone on bad note, never let your last words be unkind or angry, because every day could be that person’s last, and you’d regret that those were the last words between you. Instead, never miss a chance to let those you love know how you feel… Say I love you often, be kind to everyone, offer smiles, make someone’s day a little better… You’ll never have to regret your words when your last day come.

You are wonderful just the way you are! Don’t try to please anyone by changing who you are. You are going to be fine.

Prepare yourself for the future, because it definitely won’t be easy!

Hey, you…
I just thought I’d let you know how I am.
I’m paying five hundred dollars in rent. I have a full-time job, and I’m over full-time at school, and for some reason I decided to add a musical on top of all of that. I have less than ten dollars in my bank account at the end of the month.
I’m happy.
Did you finish grad school? I bet that was crazy. You used to be one busy chick. It’s gotta be nice to not have to live paycheck to paycheck anymore.
I hope you’re happy, too.

Be patient with Dad, you will lose him soon.

Ello younger me,
Just wanted to let you know, it will work out all right. No matter how bad it looks it will work out. Your going to get into some bad situations but remeber you can get out of them. Don’t just settle for okay. If your in a bad situation get out, and always know tomorrow is a new day.

Take heart. Someday, you are going to be a LIBRARIAN.

To my middle-school self: Go do your homework! & for Pete’s sake take Spanish, you DO live in Southern California!

Dear 12 year old Abby:

Whenever you are feeling sad and inadequate, think of Meg from A Wrinkle in Time. She may feel as if she doesn’t belong, but she is capable of greatness. There is a reason you cried when you first read this beautiful book, it’s because you finally found a place where you will always belong, in the world of books.
I know you hate the way you look, speak, and how you will never be as beautiful or well-loved as your older sister. But you will soon come to realize that writing in your journal will help you come to love yourself, for all of your flaws and all of your strengths.

Being 12 sucks, but in a few years you will realize that you needed to struggle and deal with pain in order to soar like a bird, truly free from self-deprecation and hatred.
Abigail Rae

P.S. Don’t give into peer pressure into gossiping or doing the same things girls did to you.

Christopher, this is yourself writing from the future with a very important message. Listen, I know you are skeptical, so you don’t have to believe right now, but just read and you will see things happen in your life that will show you how true this letter is.

You are going to have a long-term long-distance relationship that will not work out. After this you will meet a wonderful woman with olive eyes. This is THE ONE. Cherish her, treat her with nothing but love and respect, and give her all of your heart.

You will have difficulties with college at first, but no matter what troubles you have stick with it. Get your degree and venture out into the world prepared to work in it.

Never give up on your dreams. Work hard to be who and what you want to be. You can do it.

Love,
You

Live every day to the fullest but at the same time be responsible about it!

I would write the following to myself for when I turn 50:

Dear John,
I know that you have had a great time for the past years, but now is your time to kick it up a notch. Now is the time to turn into the crazy old man you have always dreamed of being. It’s time to break open those old physics books and start studying how to make a time machine. Find Christian, he’ll help with the quantum mechanics. Delorean came out with the electric model, so you should be able to get one that doesn’t require a Porsche motor to get to 88 mph. You should also look into that fusion project you did a few (ok, many) years back and see if you can get it to work. Whatever you do, don’t visit me now. I doubt seeing myself from 40-50 years in the future will be beneficial.
Good bye and see you in the mirror,
Do I need to remind you of your identity?

P.S. don’t forget to involve the Mrs. in your journeys, we both know how excited you can get…

Denise, you strange little flower child! Pay attention to this: She isn’t going to be around forever, so cherish ever moment you get with her. And never forget how very much she loves you, and never let HER forget how very much YOU love HER back. Prepare for the worst time of your life after she’s gone, because you will have to step up and be a mother to your own mother. There is no pain like losing a grandparent. Spend more time with her. And tell her more than just everyday that you love her. Tell her multiple times everyday.

Keep your mind clear and remember reality is relative to each of us, don’t forget thaat there is a middle way. You are not the sum total of your experiences.

Hello… I am you, writing from your future.
I’m not doing this to warn you of hardships to come, or even to tell you my regrets so that you don’t make the same mistakes… Because those events are what shaped me. You. Us. You will experience pain– emotional and physical. Sometimes you will wonder if you are actually insane. You will be scared at some points, deeply sad at others.
But you will never lose the joy. I don’t mean happiness… Happiness is only temporary. What I do mean, is that through your existence here on this deep blue ball of rock floating through space, your heart will keep a constant love of life, no matter what is happening. There are so many perfections if you just look hard enough. You will see them. The good far outweighs the bad.
If nothing else, child, remember that you are loved. By so many people. You will have memories no one else will have. They will be yours. They are mine now. They are ours.
With Love,
Alex

Yes you can.

Following a prescribed course through life is not the path to take. Take a serious look inward and consider what you love and what you want. Don’t be afraid to be on your own, to take chances, and to try new things. Life is too short to be led by the hand of others. Be true to yourself regardless of how the obstacles you might have to overcome.

Past Me: Lots of terrible things and lots of great things are ahead of us, but keep going; things work out pretty well all in all. When you meet James we ought to marry him because of what else it led to, but get a pre-nup. Keep believing in yourself even when things are looking bad; you are a valuable person and you make quite a positive difference in the world, and many people wouldn’t have done as well if they hadn’t had you in their lives.

Don’t give in to your fear. It’ll cause you to keep from living the best experiences that life can offer. But just the same, don’t be foolhardy.. keep to your standards and rely on the intelligence that was given to you. Live life kid, and let the worst of it, and the best, shape you. You may not realize it yet, you may not even understand it, but all your failures, your insecurities, your stupid moments and awkwardness, your successes and good intentions will make your life all the more beautiful.

Oh and there’s this girl you’ll meet in middle school. She’ll be inconspicuous, tomboyish, and all the more outside of your attraction. You’ll even see and call her your sister. Woo her. She’s worth all of it.

Dear Younger Self,
Stop hating yourself, you’re a child of the universe entitled to every mistake and accomplishment you make. Once you realize that you’re as beautiful as the stars that lay above us every night, you’ll too begin to shine that wondering glow. Love compassionately, don’t surrender yourself to the lingering sense of hate and bitterness for those things don’t unlock the true beauty of this world, you can view every blade of grass, every wisp that makes an infant cloud, the world with the utmost clarity and entirety, when and only when you love. Younger self, don’t waste your time deconstructing yourself, free yourself.

Hi there, 13 year old me. Here is my future self giving you tips on how to live your life. Have faith in yourself as the tough times bring happier times. Take more chances, don’t be afraid, save your money for a rainy day. But most of all it is OK to say no but say it kindly. Eat less and exercise more and floss! Walk more and pay attention to what is happening around you. Listen to your gut instinct as it is right. Love is out there, you just have to let your heart be open and know you deserve it.

I would send me a note to the past to buy Yahoo, Goggle and Microsoft stock. That would be the only change because I have 3 of the most wonderful kids anyone could ask for and they are my future!

To my past self: Raising foster puppies for PAWS With A Cause is a wonderful way to meet caring people and improve life for others. The difference a service dog makes in a client’s life is just incredible. Get started raising puppies as soon as possible!

Dear past self,

One of these days, you will be walking and reading at the same time, and you’ll run right into a post. Step three paces to the left.

Dear Susan,
Don’t leave Brad’s apartment so fast before he’s done talking-He wants to propose to you, but he’s afraid you will say no.Give him the time he needs to find courage-and don’t be afraid to tell him that yes, you are still in love with him too, after all these years.If you leave too soon, you will regret it for the rest of your life when you find out the truth later.

Dear Past Me,

It’s amazing the things that I’ve learned since I was with you. I know that life can be really tough for you sometimes. You’re making some bad decisions that maybe you wouldn’t have made if I’d had a chance to tell you all that’s coming your way. But don’t worry, you’ll get through them, and you’ll learn from them. I want to tell you that no matter what you’re hearing now, and what you will hear in the future before you reach me, you are a good person. You are brave, and strong, smart and determined. All those setbacks, and times when you think that you aren’t worth much? They’re just making you stronger. Keep staying the course. Don’t be scared. By the time you get here, you’ll be a whole new person! It will be rough sometimes. You’ll feel like giving up, but don’t! What you have to offer the world is awesome! And it’ll be worth waiting for. There are so many exciting and wonderful things waiting for you along the way! I just want you to know that I love you, and I can’t wait to see where we go from here. See you when you get here!

Love,
Your Future Me

To my future self:
Never forget what made you into who you are.

To my past self:
When they said “things can be too good to be true,” please realize how little “good” there has to be before the truth is hidden away.

You know those kids in school who used to pick on you all the time. Call you dog, nerd and bark at you. They aren’t going to matter 20 years from now. They really aren’t. Hold your head up and be proud of who you are. You are going to go on so many wonderful journeys in life!

Time goes by quickly. Don’t wait, thinking: “I’ll fulfill my destiny sometime.” Do what you were sent here to do now.

Whatever you DO NOT screw up, you will go very far into every aspects of your life.

Dear Teenaged Me,

The abuse isn’t worth it. Leave. Find happiness. It WILL get better, I know, and I promise it will be worth it.

Get the computer programming degree and minor in English. Get a double PhD while you’re young. Then your writing always has financial backing.

In ‘94, you’ll meet a quiet man. Don’t marry him. He’ll cripple your soul.

Love your kids. Let them be themselves. Read to them to give them dreams, then encourage them to pursue their dreams. No matter what, love them.

And always, always love yourself.

take better care of yourself…..in the future you’ll have a stroke at age 48 if you don’t change your path. months of difficult rehab…but the love and support of family and friends will see you through it….so build good strong relationships as an investment in your future…..try to build some healthy habits now..it’s a lot easier when you’re young…..and spend as much time as you can with your family..they won’t be around forever and you’ll wish you had….be good to yourself nd to others,,,

Dear Self,
No sense worrying about it now but I would have gone to Europe with Anne & MaryLou the summer we graduated from college & then I would have come back for 1 more year of college, making it 7, to work on my PhD. in Library Science. That would have made a huge difference in my life.

Put down the cheeseburger and step away from the frig. and go outside. you will thank me later

Get back to your senses!You can say no to the traditional and systematic
way of pushing humans to take medications.Empty your cabinets and accept that your mind is more powerful than all those pills!
Enjoy your being and simplify your life.
The sickness comes from the industry that is killing us!!!!!!!!!!!!

Be Bold, you are better than you think
Be Happy, you deserve it
Be You, it’s your life, live it to capacity
Be Patient, Loving, & Kind…because nice really does matter
Be Aware, “Now” is but one moment in many

Dear Me in 1983,

You have your whole future ahead of you! You are lovely, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. People project their own failings and try to bring you down. Shut them out and surround yourself with good, loving people who have your best interests at heart.

With love,
The 2012 Me

Tell the FBI on September 10, 2011, that terrorists are going to board planes in Boston on the morning of September 11th.

Learn to work a crane. One of those huge ones.

Angeline,

You are 18 years old and just starting the prime of your life. There is so much to learn, live, love and explore. Never give up on the dream of adventure. Never give up your dream for that one who doesn’t have one.

Be bold. Be daring. Go for it! Join the Army. Do not let him talk you out of it. There is too much living and joy to be found in yourself and in the world. Someday soon, you could be that electrical engineer working on helicopters and be able to be of service to those who serve. The rewards and enjoyment far outweigh what waits in civilian life. Don’t live with my regret. Be bold. Be daring. Be what *you* want to be.

Sincerely,
Your 40 year old desk jockey self

Get your teeth fixed.

i would not of wasted time. also done alot of things different. i would change my past i would of become the nurse i wanted to be. make a living to where i dont have to depend on someone else.

Please, your future is in your hands and the choices you make now are going to determine how your future is laid out, so before you say yes or no to those questions about your future make sure you talk to the Good Lord above and listen the wise people in your life. You are the one that has to live with those choices, and the circumstances at the time you make those choices will be different a month, a year or just the next day. Only God can tell you what is in store for your life. So listen very wisely.

No matter how hopeless you believe it to be, if you’re willing to work for it, it will get better. With each hour that passes, you can be moving toward a happier existence. It’s in your hands. Don’t blow it.

Dear past me, don’t forget to hug mom and tell you love her. Also, love yourself, you are beautiful you just don’t know it yet.

Keep playing basketball and volleyball. There is a future for women in sports.

Life is what you make it. Take chances, but don’t be dumb about it. Be spontaneous. You were born to fly, girl. So don’t keep walking and holding yourself back all your life. Most importantly, let the love of your friends and family be like a treasure to you. Don’t treat it cheaply.

You do not become the person you wanted to be. The person you become is much less disruptive than you would have hoped but her thoughts have all the meaning and weight you wanted her actions to have. You become a person worth being and worth loving, and she loves you for exactly who you are now and who you become. Your life is precious, see it through your own eyes and listen to your own thoughts and advice. They will always be right. You will always be bound for greatness as long as that is what you seek.

Tiffany,
On September 11, 2001, the most devastating attack on American soil takes place in New York. Please do something and don’t be afraid to make a difference. Some hijackers run two planes into the twin towers. Stop it from happening. Families lives are lost and the pentagon is attacked by a plane. Please make someone listen. I know it sounds crazy, because it is.

Love wildly, forgive quickly, and never waste your time idling the hours away for tomorrow may never come.

Recall the Time When (I) Did something “Controversial”? Keep it. I dreampt with my eyes open. Never had I been at such peace, in the midst of such fear that it was nearly primal. Live. Read, Write. Ubove all, read and write.

Dear freshman me,
This year, you’re going to go through a lot. You’re going to have new experiences and do things you never thought you would–some good, some bad. You need to know, though, that it does work out in the end. The person you become is amazing, and even though you may think you screwed up some time this year, you end up learning from your mistakes. I’m not going to say more because if you change anything, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

When the time comes (you’ll know when), open the right door, not the left. This will lead you to someone spectacular. He will change your life and inspire you to believe in so much more than you know. Fly as far as you can for you have the most beautiful wings. You’ll never be burned by the sun. Don’t miss out on a chance to share your love. The day before he leaves, tell him you love him, for it will be your last chance to. Don’t worry, for when you think it all is coming to an end, know that I love you.

Remember to always treasure loved ones as they may be called away sooner than expected and unspoken thoughts can never be spoken once they’re gone.

Lose weight, be happy, and whatever you do, if I guy wants to borrow money, or quit his job and live with you, dump him right then. Save yourself some time on that heart ache.

Dont forget your dreams….. Do what you love, not what others want you to do

Think more of others, there are a lot of people in your life that love you. Be thankful, it’s hard to be selfish when you realize all you have.

Dear 14 year old me,

Smile more. Care deeply about those who love you. Don’t try too hard to make other people like you, and don’t change yourself in order to please others. You more than likely will not know any of these people in ten years’ time. Definitely smile more.

Dear past Me,
If you knew that your love for A Wrinkle in Time would give so much pleasure that it would bring you to today, and a future life that held books in such importance, would you still have started a fire in Sherwood Forest? After all back then Maid Marian had no hope of being a fire fighter! Today is so much better, especially with daughters & granddaughters who love to be read A Wrinkle in Time!!

Me 1012

Dear Small Person;
Don’t believe what your folks tell you about yourself.

They’re wrong and they are crazy.
You aren’t a “mistake’. You aren’t an ‘accident’,or ’spineless’ or ‘a slut’. You weren’t disowned because you are unlovable, you were disowned because they did not know how to love.
You are smart and strong, and you deserve love and success and good things, just the way everyone else does.
Someday you will be happy and learn to love yourself!
Til then,learn to talk back, stand up to them and believe in yourself.
I’ll be waiting here for you, and when you get here, together we will help others learn to be happy and have self-esteem,too!

Dear Marg.
You are reading this, in what is my past. I have always wanted to find a way to change. Please listen. Honor mommy. She is the mother God has given US. By doing so you Honor the Lord.
Tithe regularly, no matter what . Save what you can. Love….

Dear Little Val,

Unicorns don’t exist- they’re extint.
However- chupacabras do!

Love always,
Bigger Val.

P.S. If the pre-k val gets this postcard. Do not, I repeat, Do not stick that bear-shaped sparkly metallic confetti thing up your nose. You’ll regret it. Your nostrils attach to your brain, I think (I would know!)

Dear Becky,
Always believe in yourself. U know what to do and how to get it done but u just need to have faith in your self. U are an incrediable person and one day you will realize just how irreplaceable you are to everyone in your life.

Belive in you,
The Future u

Dear past Me.
1.Don’t be afraid to try new things, it can be great!
2.Don’t trust everybody the world isn’t kind.
3.Appreciate who you are and learn to be content with what God has planted in front of you.
4. Don’t worry about where everyone else is going you aren’t them.

ME-2012

Dear Young self,
You fear all you know and that you do not know. Push past all your fears and uncertainty. Your dreams are there for you to follow.
Dear future Self,
Your dreams are still here waiting for you to achieve! I have not left you, I have not lost my passion for you to succeed! My faith in you is as strong today as it was in the beginning of time. I see you making your way to me- your future, your joy, your destiny! Continue to me, I await all that you are!!

Dear High School Me,
It’s only four years. Don’t expect to learn much, and don’t expect to enjoy it. Or make close friends. Hang in there, and don’t crawl under the table when you think no one is looking. Just, don’t.
Sincerely,
College Rocks–me in 2012

To J., the May 2010 edition,

You don’t know it, but you’re happy now. You’re completely and perfectly happy. You’ve never felt so alive, so full of possibilities. This is the time of your life. You’ve been waiting for it for years, now, counting down each May to this particular one. Now, everything is coming together. Everything you’ve ever wanted. Success. Romance. Freedom. Happiness.

You’re free. Unfettered. Dazzled by all the possibilities. You have your whole life ahead of you.

Enjoy this feeling. Commit it to memory. Savor it. Treasure it. Promise yourself you’ll never forget. Because you’re happy, and that’s something remarkable. Rare. Worth remembering.

Cheers,
J., the February 2012 edition

To my future….please take care of my physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have a grand child I want to raise as long as possible, and she needs me….Cant do any thing about you past, just forgive me…..

Dear Future Self;

I know you’ve “traveled” many “roads” of devastation….
And, helped all in need, if you could,along the way.

Take these “mature years” to Relax; Laugh;
Enjoy Your Grandchildren: Be wiser;

Fulfill you “mature years” with your creative writing,
Creating silk floral pieces, your ceramics, and have fun
With creating luscious bath products!!!

Hey you! It’s me. Yeah – don’t do it! Don’t marry that guy! Get a scholarship, do as much as you can in High School to get ahead. Don’t settle for an AA degree – go all the way! Take more computer classes and don’t listen to the career councellor who told you that women don’t belong in the hard sciences. Believe in yourself. Make a career for yourself and then marry for love. True love – the kind that sweeps you off your feet and makes you want to dance. Demand more from others and don’t let them walk all over you. Be strong, you’re worth it!

Besitos Honey,
I wanted to make sure you knew one thing… Nevermind that this postcard flew over the Pacific Ocean in a baggie, that you wouldn’t have the opportunity to ever meet your paternal grandparents, or that you’d suffer through three high schools. Pishtosh on the fact that you shoulda, woulda, or coulda done other things… I wanted to make sure you knew without hesitation that you are loved and adored and and that the journey was well worth it.
Besitos Darlin’ and welcome home!

It was a night the leaves rattled,
Brown and broken they fell,
Casting ghoulish shadows across the black
Street when the past came on a cold whisper wind
Asking, “Would you change me?”

Stirring the ash in the tray,
Watching the embers die
As the smoke swirled circles

I thumbed memories
Where I saw my green-eyed lover

Staring through the haze,
the candle flicking her lips
her halo-hair gold in glow,

“There’s so many things you’ve cheated me out of.”

She winked, “Tell me, what’d I cheat you out of?”

Taking a deep drag, I couldn’t think of a thing,
And said, “Nothing.”
And I loved her.

Dear Past Me,
I wish I’d been nicer to you. Life was very difficult as it was; it would have made a huge difference on many occasions if I had cut you some slack. I am so sorry, Past Me.
I pledge to try and be your best friend in the future; to treat you with the same respect you give to others, to value your opinions instead of everyone else’s and to love you for who you are, NOT who you woulda/coulda/shoulda been.
Love,
Me 2012

Dude,

Can you believe how much that postage stamp to the right is? That’s a lot of money in your time, but nobody much sends post cards anymore. That’s because we have this thing called the internet on our very own personal computers (even on our wireless television phones) that lets us communicate with anyone anywhere in the world for almost nothing, whether or not we have anything worth saying. These computers we have are pretty amazing–pretty soon we will all be able to download ourselves into virtual reality and live forever in any kind of world we choose. Pretty rad, right? So in the meantime, just take care of yourslef and enjoy the ride. If you get into the computer stuff early, you can do really well–especially when there’s this big scare that all the computers are going to go haywiire when the calendar turns to 2000. Here’s the thing, dude. NOTHING happens, so act and invest accordingly. Pick up Microsoft and Google on their intial public offerings and buy Apple when things look really grim–you’ll know when. In the meantime, play games, have fun, and do some good in the world. It’s not perfect here–the Cubs still haven’t won a World Series and O.J. gets acquited (not telling you what for, but you’ll see). Live long, prosper, and be excellent so you can party on for immortality. It’s coming, but not if you do something stupid before it gets here.

Buck

P.S. Don’t grow the beard. Nobody likes the beard, except the wife, and she likes you anyway.

Flashlife
Fast as subway doors closing
When in dead sprint
Down platforms past
Shaking visions of people—
skittles
Scattered in rainbow rush
Gone grey-day dull
In shine of final memories—
Wetness of the kiss,
Infant fingers clutching the index,
the hair-tie on the porcelain sink,
breathing rhythms in blackness.

Going back to the beginning, I wish someone had made me know that the “truth” lies within my own soul, and made me believe it. Yes, I wish I’d have had enough esteem to listen to God within me. Now I do. After 66 years old, I listen…And I’ve come to realize through prayer, and mediation you can’t “usually” go wrong to listen to that little whisper with in…And it is never too late.

Dear Future Me,
Does it get better? Do I learn the secret to happiness? Am I ever satisfied? Or am I asking questions I already know the answer to and refuse to acknowledge?

Sincerely,
The Mess You Left Behind

Hi Margaret,
What I say comes from a life of wrong choices. Being that you are 13 with a full life ahead of you…this is what I want you to know. You are YOU… and no matter who you try to be…you will always be you. So be with the people who like the way you are. Life goes by fast, there are no repeats because life go in phases, and they pass quickly. Always choose the higher road, even when you have to bite your tongue, you’ll be glad you did. Never do the things that don’t feel right in your heart. Don’t waste time with things and careers that have nothing to do with your passions. When you follow your passion, doors open for you because people recognize your enthusiasm and help you along the way. Don’t waste time with men your parents disapprove of…they see things you don’t. Get married to an honest man, have kids and build a good life. Teach them values and spend much time enjoying their youth. Always put God first, then family, then friends. Forgive them often cause they will need to do this for you too. Don’t worry, but see the humor in life. Things always work out one way or another. Much love to you, and in spite of it all…you did turn out to be a beautiful person. It’s the person you always were to start with.

Hey Laurie,
It is your older, wiser, and improved self here. You were correct in thinking that you have time to get better and better. You can become the person you envisioned yourself to be. Now don’t forget to choose your words and actions with care, allow God’s love to reach others through you, and never, never, never think a DeLorean will take you back to a time to re-write your life. Your past has brought you here intentionally!

Dear Self,
It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare, it’s
because we do not dare that they are difficult !
Living is a form of not being sure, not knowing what
next or how. The only way to escape fear is to transform it into a
companion that accompanies us on all our exciting
adventures, take a risk a day, one small or bold stroke and it
will make you feel great once you have done it.
Chance is always powerful, let your hook be always
cast, in the pool where you least expect it, there will be a fish.
When an inner situation is not made conscious, it appears
outside as fate. We will discover the nature of our particular
genius when we stop trying to conform to our own or other
people’s models, learn to be ourselves and allow our natural
channel to open. ,
Often people attempt to live their lives backwards; they
try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more
of what they want so that they will be happier. The way it
actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you
really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have
what you want. We should all use our creative power
because nothing makes us so generous, joyful, lively, bold
and compassionate, so indifferent to fighting and the
accumulation of objects and money.
Your Pal fifty years ago
p.s. buy Apple

Dear Future Me,

Remember that feeling when you opened a picture frame and found a note from your best friend in high school that was 6 years old and it said, “Hi future Haley, we are doing our homework now?” It’s an exciting feeling when the present opens a window to the past. Especially mindblowing when that past had forsight of the future present.

I imagine recieving this postcard will have a similar effect. Right now you are writing a postcard that will be judged by a long time favorite author, and a just recently discovered one. Best of luck to you.

Love,
Yourself

PS Happy Birthday to A Wrinkle in Time

Dearest Kathleen, you don’t have to be afraid. Even when it looks really bad, fear is a choice.

You are about to meet and fall in love with a young man who has an inherited family disease, and you aren’t going to know how bad it is until you have married him and had a sweet baby boy together.

On Easter Sunday, you are going to stand in front of a bunch of strangers and tell them you believe that your husband is going to live, to get well; that he is going to survive this threat on his life. You are going to wrestle with thoughts that whisper the complete opposite to your soul, but you are going to hang on and be brave anyway, in the face of catastrophe.

Don’t be afraid. If you knew right now that your husband was going to have more years of life ahead, you would relax and enjoy the life you have right now with him. So do that, and do us both a favor!

Life doesn’t offer guarantees-so don’t live afraid. You risked it all when you fell head over heels for a guy with a bad disease. You have nothing else to be afraid of! You’ve faced the Mt. Everest of life catastrophe’s, and you are still breathing, still living, still waking up in the morning beside him, still loving your guy.

Fear is a choice. Don’t choose it. Choose faith, and courage, and laugh at the future, even when it’s 3 minutes away, or 30 years away.

You are stronger than you know.

Your older, much wiser self

Dear Past Self,
Love yourself and you will be loved. Don’t depend on others to love you, stop waiting for something that may take years to come because you have a lot of space to fill within yourself in the meantime. Let yourself be happy. Other people don’t matter if they are not making your life better. Let them go, let it all go. You deserve light, love, and happiness. They don’t deserve you, those people who constantly hurt you. They never have. If you choose to ignore everything else in this please remember this, life gets better if you let it. Smile, girl, you look lovely.

Dear Young Steve -

Hope for all the good things that life can bring you.

A wonderful woman to love and share your life, a child that will bring you joy…hopefully a career you in which you will excel and succeeed.

But most of all…a life filled with love.

Tell her you love her you fool! Tell S. C. you love her.Save your money. Get that scholarship.Stay in Atlanta and attend that college. Go to work for Turner and Sons. Forget the other stuff. Nothing but disappointment and ruin.

She is going to marry a man who abuses her and does not love her. He will abandon her and their child. You will spend your life pining for what may have been. No one will replace her and you will die alone.

If you doubt me, our senior year Suzanne gets drunk and dives into the river and paralyzes herself.

Dear Past Self
I started to write this and give you a cheat sheet so that you could correct all the bad decisions you’ve made in your life. There’s been quite a few. then I realized that if I did, by the time you get to where I am today, you’d be rich, but alone.
Instead, when you come to what looks like a major decision in your life, go with your heart. I always have. Yeah, I’ve been through a couple divorces, I’ve been fired from more than a few jobs, I still haven’t published that novel yet, and the tornado just about wiped me out, but I have three wonderful daughters who might not be with me if I’d made other choices. I may not be rich, but who can put a price on hearing, “Dad, I love you!” Just keep doing what you’re doing.
However….. if someone comes to you in the 80’s and wants you to invest in something called Microsoft…….

Hey Little Seven-Year-Old Me: Don’t worry. You may be lonely now, with no friends in this big, new city. You may be feeling lost and scared and have no idea how to reach out to your new school mates. But have faith. Someday, sweetie, you’re going to have a group of awesome women friends who honor and adore you, a loving husband and great kids of your own. Then you can look back and remember that I sent you this message of hope. Chin up. It’s going to get way better! Love you!

Excuse me, past self, but exactly when did we miss that turn at Albuquerque? One minute I was on the straight and narrow and next second I slip fell and found myself in a mess filled with things I can’t even name [or else I may cause a rift in the space/time continuum thing]. Maybe if I just had an idea of what broke along the way I can fix it and move on. Enjoy that fun you’re having now, it’s not going to last long.
Sincerely,
Your Bitter Future of 2012

Hello Again,

You remember me? I’m that girl you used to be. The girl who had so many dreams and wanted to do so many things. I hope that you’ve done them, you, future self, and that you’ve lived up to my expectations. Have you lived your life as I wanted you to: appreciating life and doing things while you could? I wish I had your experiences and memories, future self, but I will have to wait. How exciting! Someday I will be you and you will be me, but I hope that you have become who I someday want to be.

With love,
Natasha

I keep getting postcards from my younger selves. I don’t even recognize them. I wrote one back and said, “I wish I’d done it another way.” He wrote back and said, “Then you wouldn’t be you.”

Hey past Me, why didn’t I encourage myself to get into a career rather than just bopping around experiencing life. I might be in better shape today and have some money saved against retirement. I as You have no idea what’s ahead. You can be whatever you like back there. By the time I get here it’s too late to fix that. Still, it’s been fun. Just not very profitable.

Sincerely,

ME in 2012

Dearest Past Me

Do not let life control the deepest desires in your heart and soul. Take control of life, listen to the whispers of your heart and fulfill your deepest desires. There is never a better time to be happy than now. You will find that happiness in life lies within your knowing that no desire is unreachable if you take that first step into the unknown. Follow your desires, for happiness is not always accomplishing them but always listening to them and acting on them. Take time out to be quiet and hear the whispers of desires. They are your true happiness in years to come.

Hear the whispers,
Your Future You

Dear Russ Past… Wish I were there!

Dear Past,
I am so sorry how I lived your life. You should have got married when you were 19. He’s a multi millionaire now and has an extremely interesting and fun life while you are still stuck in this dreary small town. You should never have gone skating, you should have listened to your mother on that fateful day. You would have saved yourself 10 knee surgeries. You should have flown with your dreams instead of listening to everyone and stayed grounded. Learn from your mistakes and don’t repeat them.

Dear Future Self-

Hi Tricia,

I know you are having a hard time but as long as you are alive there is the chance
for change. Things will be better soon. Just stay the course.
You are loved and you have given so much love to others.

Dear Little Cookie Eater:

You aren’t going to raise girls. Get over it now. Boys are different, but it will be great. Being a stepmother is harder than you can ever imagine. It is NOT like “Nanny and the Professor.” Is it worth it? Probably. Just be ready and be strong.

Bryn Mawr will be one of the best choices you will ever make. Enjoy it. Don’t be shy. Fight for the chance to go abroad for a semester. It’s not as expensive as you think and international travel is only going to get harder as the years go by. Take a couple of Classics classes. You can do it! You are capable. Be yourself. Dress like Madonna if you really want to. Let your inner light shine.

Get your doctorate as soon as you can; going to grad school when you have children is daunting. Not impossible, but daunting. Clean the the house top to bottom and throw out as much junk as possible BEFORE the babies are born. It’s so much harder to get things done with children underfoot. Stick to your guns–you are a good mom. Trust your intuition, ask for help when necessary, and sleep when the baby sleeps.

Above all, love yourself. Love yourself unconditionally. Don’t hide your light under a bushel–let your light shine on everyone you meet.

You can do it.

Hugs,
Your older and wiser self

Dear Past Self:
Try to enjoy yourself more and step out-of-the-box sometimes! Although I have accomplished alot through a lot of hard work and always doing what was expected of me, I think back that I should have been a little more adventurous and tried to have more fun.
You only live once!

Dear Past Me,
You are going to have a happy life but I can give you some advice (I know you don’t like to take advice) that will ensure that you have fewer regrets.
1. Exercise every day. Run and play hard. Get in the habit of moving a lot.
2. Wear sunscreen.
3. Learn to let things go.
4. Go and see your mom and dad whenever you have a chance to.
That’s it!
Love,
Your Future Self

Dear Younger Betty,
No matter what happens, remember that if you lead with your heart, your feet will go in the right direction.

Watching you from a distance,
Your Older, Wiser Self

Dear Past self,
Stay in school!!Don’t marry young, get an education instead!Become a librarian you will love it!Really trust me!
Most of all be happy don’t give up even if you don’t do everything I suggest just know that you will be happy and loved in the end! Everything will work out anyway, so what the heck have a good time enjoy your life.(PS except that 2nd marriage skip that one your body & self esteem will thank you later he seems nice but he’s not!!)
Love your future self!

Paul,
Don’t do it!
-Paul

Hello! You have 1 unread message from the past.

Firstly, a simple request: please remember to buy proper bookcases for your books. It is getting to be quite the hassle dancing around the piles that litter the floor with those towering skyscrapers cluttered in a make-shift metropolis.

If, for whatever reason, I’m addressing a person that uses an electronic device instead of printed pages, just disregard this fanciful girl that had no idea she was writing to a complete stranger (I’m just as confused as you are at how this came to be).

I’ll make this short: you have no obligation to me except to be absolutely spectacular.

I hope to meet you one day, regardless if you feel you’re not good enough to live up to the expectations of this overly sincere girl (or even if you’re in possession of an electronic reader).

No need for a dress code or any welcoming gifts.
Just come as you are; I ask for nothing else.

Thanks for everything, nothing and whatever falls in-between.
-Rose

Hey me,

This will seem unbelieveable and very strange, but this is you in 30 years. This is unwanted advice, but you have issues. Big issues, honey. You need to deal with your anger, pain and hurt before you make life changing mistakes. Get counseling and deal. Don’t run away to your father, all they said about him is true. Don’t marry at 18, you are TOO young; listen to your gut. Don’t re-marry so quickly to replace what you lost, he will tear your heart and life apart and definitely DON’T have kids with this one WAIT! They will seem like the best until you grow up and realize they are liars, cheats, abusers and exactly like your dad. Being screamed at IS abuse.

It’s ok to laugh girly. It’s ok to take time out for you. It’s ok to be nice to you and treat you with respect even though no one else did. It’s so important that you love yourself unconditionally just as God loves you. Trust yourself and your insticts; they will guide you better than your heart. Most importantly, listen closely now… Be kind to yourself and say nice things to yourself. Know you are loved deeply. You’re gonna be so strong, so strong that you can take on the world! Lastly, go to college and become that lawyer. You are smart and you CAN do it. All my loving kindness, you.

Take a deep. Breathe. Your right in thinking everything your going through is important and it all does matter. The good news is, it’s not your job to make sure everything works out. Just do your best, work hard, and let the everything fall together as you step away.
That’s the beauty of life, every little effort counts. Nothing is unseen, and failure isn’t a permanent condition. Love the life you lead, and keep giving it away.

Dear Futrue,
I wish you could tell what its gonna be like in 10 or 2? years but you cant. Thats the thing with life, you dont know what waiting for you around the corner until BOOM! you come face-to-face. I hope your still staying stroung & brave. Your gonna need those traits to get through life. You probably wish you could be young again while i kinda wish i could be older, lol. Its funny how things work out. Well i be where your at in a few years so i better go & start living life to the fullest until that day comes Live, Love & Always be YOURSELF
Love,
You Past

Hey, how’s it going?
…That was a pretty lame way to start this but i couldn’t think of starting it any other way, heh. Looking back was I ever as mature as i thought I was? Are there things you finally understand that i could never comprehend laying where I am now? I guess all I have to say is that the 18 years that I’ve been alive have been like magic. They’ve been difficult and struggling and heart-breaking but they have also been as perfect as I could make them. So pick yourself up, get back in the game. I’m telling you that you’ve done great so far and you’re still you no matter how many pieces they take away or that you think you’ve lost. And always remember:

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I- I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference.”
-Robert Frost

I’ll always want to be you,

Anna B, Age 18 2012

If only I had known that without an college education you would struggle most of your life, setting your children up with an example that most will follow.
Now a Grandmother at 66,with these thoughts streaming through my mind, I find myself struggling to bend over to apply my favorite color “Precious Pink” nail polish to my harden toe nails.
Well it’s too late now to worry about college,I think out loud as I gingerly touch my bare feet to the cold floor. I open the door as I see my 49 year old daughter struggling up the steps with a load of laundry in her arms.
She has lost her job at J.C. Pennys where she worked and attended night classes at the local Jr. College on a grant, just to get a certificate to become a hairstylist.
Now that will have to wait.
She has three children who also did not finish college, they are unable to find jobs.
Who would have known the economy would have taken such a horrible turn for the worst? Along with Katrina destroying our homes, washing away all of our restaurants and other businesses along the entire Gulf Coast?
There are no jobs for uneducated people in our area, not even at McDonald’s.
No one ever warned me what would happen to me and my family just because we did not go to college,it stopped my life at GO.
If I could change anything in my past that would be the first and most important thing on my list.
Who is responsible for telling us those things so we will not make those mistakes? Seems like someone ought to be shouting it at the school football games, making you take a class on how important it is, slipping in a parenting class on why you should not get pregnant when you are a child yourself.
We got to go to war in the 60’s at 18, but not vote nor drink beer. We get a license to drive and have to study for the test at 16, but no class and test on raising a baby after you have it.
I wish I could go back , for just one day…and try to make just one change..maybe my life would be different.

To Me Myself and I:
Do yourself a favor! Stand up for what you believe in. Take a risk. Step outside of that shell you hide in and make something of your world. Take the first step into your future.

Forget that theater nonsense! Go to the U of MD at College Park. They have campuses all over the planet. You’re a bus ride from DC, the capital of the world. stick to the writing. PS, get a better camera and learn the basics so’s you can transition to the coming format. Visual media will rule. Trust me.

Dear future
Remember how hard your past being and everything you had learn, remember to be yourself, keep being strong and never let anyone turn you down. Your strong, you’re fabulous, raise your self-esteem. Be yourself. Love, forgive, believe, dream and be you, don’t ever forget your roots. Remember the past is only a reconstruction for the future, own it.

Love=) Clara

Dear Present,
You were formed by the past and the future is a wonderful or not so wonderful mystery. Stay strong and be in the moment. This is the eternal challenge. Remember you are the gift. You are the bridge between the past and the future. How will you choose to cross it????
Wushan

Yo me,

What’s up kid? This is you. From the future bro. I’m a ghost now. I mean like we’re a ghost. Listen up yo. About two years after you get this postcard you are gonna quit our job and decide to spend your saving self-producing your own rap album.

You will call yourself Ghost Cat, wear silver claw on a big chain around your neck and start telling people we grew up in the projects and whatever.

Then after a while yo, you will realize it was a mistake and like then you will jump off the George Washington bridge like that kid from Rutgers yo!

Don’t do it. Don’t quit our job! We aren’t good rappers yo!

Peace,
Yourself, a hip-hop future ghost!

The GHost Writer!

Dear Reader,
This may sound strange but I am you, atleast… a version of you within the confines of our time stream. I have become what you hate, I have embraced what you dislike. I am what you would hate to become, a broken being drifting upon this earth.
Don’t look away, don’t think about shoving this letter aside, not just yet. I put the effort into writing this, atleast honor me by reading it.
Don’t fear the future, no matter how dull, painful or dark it seems. Just keep in mind that what you’ll find will be worth every tear. Don’t dwell on your past, don’t think about your nightmares, shed all that binds you, and you shall find a peace like no other. I write to you, my past, because I wish for you to know what I know now so we can escape this fate. Please don’t let me be real, don’t let me be your future.
Regretfully Yours,
A bleak possibility

Hello from the Future,

Well first of all, you’ll be glad to know the world does NOT end in 2012, so celebrate that! A lesson from this, don’t give in to what other people tell you. Actions always speak louder. In every situation. However, 2012 was a great year. You accomplished so much in believing that this year might be your last. Why don’t you live every day like that? The pay off in the end will always be that you valued your time and integrity. I will not share with you what else you can expect, because pushing yourself into the unknown is the best feeling you can experience. Rising to the occasion gives you the upper hand and conquering that fear is the ultimate challenge. Why do the easy thing? Is that living? You EXIST, therefore you ARE, and thus, you can BE whatever you want to be. Whatever you want to be. You’re future…is bright, when you live it that way. Trust. Grow. Breathe.

Dear future me,

One of the most difficult feelings is the inability to help someone who desperately needs and seeks help. Today, you feel helpless, but remember that hope only dies when you stop believing.

Continue to help and believe.

Dear Past and Future Me

Having a wonderful time. Glad that I’m here.

Ed

Dear Hundred Year Old Me,

If you receive this, you must have done one of two things. You grew callous to the world, its inhabitants and its rituals. You are a mere survivor (a well-coated cockroach) and I am ashamed in advance.

The alternative is that you actually lived. You found love, held onto it as the treasure that it is, and even learned how to produce it yourself. You had debts, children and disease but you can look back at most of it with an honest smile. Of this version, I am proud.

If neither person mentioned is available, please return to sender.

Dear Little Mikie, obviously, you made it! What I mean is, nobody stopped you from being goin’ on to become you! None o’ them boys who punched you behind the school by the dumpster every time you moved to a new school. And none o’ them grocery store clerks who caught you stealin’ candy bars and chased you down the street hollering’ “Don’t – come – back – here!” And not even that high school PE coach who pretended he couldn’t remember your name for three years. Despite it all, you became a half-decent human bean and a good singer to boot! I guess that’s why they say the best revenge is a pretty song and a guitar tuning nobody can figure out. (or something like that) Love, Older Mikie (aka Michael T)

Dear Past Me,

Relax, in 40 years your life won’t be much different than it is now. You’ll keep on enjoying the world… only with a little less sex and a little more heartburn.

Aaron -
You may love her, but whatever you do, do NOT marry Hilary. She’ll lie and cheat and destroy your world and not even leave love or hope.
Skip her. Be lonely but hopeful.
Broken Aaron

Dear Roger, you know how you wondered whether you wold ever get things together ack in 2011, Guess what, I am glad you won’t be staying beck there, as 2012 is goign to be your best year yet, and 2013 even better! And, it continues to get better every year, and by a lot each year. Keep your art alive and your art will keep you alive!
Follow your dreams and enjoy the the trip!
Roger

You must understand that the first 20% of your life sets you up for the 80% that’s left; and that growing up with a level head and a plan, rather than “living for today”, will guarantee that you will become a person of value. Do what you love (learning)- not what others want you to do. When pressured to do something you don’t feel right about; take a moment to stop, look around and listen to your inner voice. You will honestly love yourself and be honestly loved for who you are.

To Teenager: Be active. Walk every day. You can improve your ability with training, so pick a triathalon and do it.

Never start drinking diet soda. Understand weight gain can start with a mere 100 calories extra a day, so small habits that trim calories will make a big difference.

Fall in love with the tall, dark man in college. Don’t expect marriage to be like Leave It To Beaver. Marry someone you respect. Think about what you contribute to the marriage as well as what he can give you. Don’t argue over housework. Do give each other space and have your own friendships and interests.

Understand your health. So much suffering in your life can be avoided by recognizing and learning about family conditions you’ve inherited.

Learn how to say no and set boundries. No employer owns you. Your home life is more fulfilling and important than overtime. Your family ties grow stronger only if you spend the time with them.

Meditation can greatly enhance your life, so make it a daily habit. Have a stillness that is your inner strength.

Go for it if you like Karate or Tai Chi or Tae Kwon Do, for while you are not competitive, you will love martial arts and the self defense you learn will serve you in unexpected moments of crisis. Gain confidence and learn your own strength.

Life will not always be easy, but with love and perseverence, you will survive.

Don’t Blink. Blink and you’re dead. They move fast, faster than you can imagine. So don’t even blink. Good Luck.

Dear Elizabeth

Most of the life lessons you’re learning now, you already knew. You just need a few go-arounds for them to sink in.

All the terrible things are a part of the good. Sometimes an instrumental part of the good.

Don’t give up, it will be a while until you really feel like it was worth failing at that. But it will happen and you will have a great deal of joy. That bit in the liturgy you say every week, “shield the joyous”, you will say that one day and mean it so completely, so fiercely, you can’t even imagine.

Yours, always.
x

P.S. Maybe turn in those lab reports on time in college.

Dear Future self,

Go to California.

Don’t wait for anyone or anything. Only you can make your dreams come true and there’s no such thing as Prince Charming. We learned this last year. Some day you’ll be a working actress and you might meet someone really cool who will love you. But let it all happen when it’s meant to. You have to go for your goal before anything else or anything can good happen.

Love,
Krista

Oh, and hey future self….You should read more. ALOT more. Your past self really loved to read…and you should never quit the things you love.

Moderation!!!! greed will be your downfall. Don’t be afraid to speak up and put a stop to the obsessions. You will have a family to look out for and a little discord in the beginning could prevent massive troubles which will ruin your family…

Dear Past Amelia -
I know you are lost. You can’t imagine a happy future and you are so wrapped up in your own mind that you can barely think.
But, it’s true what everyone’s telling you. It really will be okay. And, sooner than you know, you will meet someone that turns everything around, and that knows your spirit in a way that you never thought possible.

Dear Dear Past of Mine!

How hard it is to live in the present!
For I am given to living in you,
No matter how tough things were at time,
Your joys were unforgettable too!

from your lover,

Ernest

Dear Me Five Minutes Ago,
You are a complete idiot. I cannot believe you didn’t see a big, red rubber ball two feet in front of your face! You must be utterly blind! (You get it from your dad) To be honest, it was completely your fault. Next time, think before you play dodge ball with high school boys! Now look where you landed yourself. Your face is completely black and blue and you have no dresses to go with it. The Valentine’s Day Dance is tomorrow! Who is going to want to dance with you if you look like a blueberry? I understand your pain sweetheart, but that is no excuse. Next time focus on where the dude is aiming and not how cute his hair is.
With Love,
A girl five minutes smarter than you

Dear Past Me…
I know you have had some hard times, I went through them too, but they just will make you stronger. Friends come and go and it dosen’t matter… you will make new ones and move to a great place. When you look in the mirror I know you see someone who isn’t pretty and doesn’t have much talent. But you are and you do. You will find things you are absolutely amazing at and you will meet people that will support you. You look amazing and even when you gain weight you will look beautiful. I am you from the future and I know that you have so much potential, you can do anything you want to and I have. Good luck with life… it matters. No matter what happens know that someone loves you. You are amazing and don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Dear Future Self,

At the moment of writing this, I am wearing a bunny-hood… which I wore out in public yesterday, and plan to wear for the rest of today. And when people laughed at me, I laughed with them, because I knew how silly I looked.
I hope you never lose the silliness. No matter how old you get, remember: Life’s not as serious as we make it, and sometimes you have to make your own fun.

Never stop giggling!

~Your past self.

My Dear 17 year old self:
Know your own mind. Believe it or not all of those things you had made up your mind to do would have been the right choices! Put your education first and be stubborn about it. I know you don’t believe this, but don’t let anyone discourage you from the goals you have set.

Dear Future Self,

Never forget what it was like to be a teenager. Because every hard day you had made the good ones that much sweeter. Hopefully by now the sickness is gone, and getting out of bed is no longer such a challenge–if this is so, remember every day of sickness so you will be grateful.

~18-year-old You

Dear Past Me,

Don’t let the bastards get you down. Life gets better, and I promise that it isn’t always this bleak. You succeed in life! You’re not a nerd, you’re just an intellectual badass. You may not be Queen of the Universe yet, but you’re on your way.

If the endeavor been worthwhile, then life will always feel short, love will always be pure, and animosity will never phase you.

Dear Past Me,
You have overcome so many obstacles, abuse, breast Cancer.You have bloomed through the mudd like the Lotus.The best lesson you learned is life will always kick you down but what matters is getting back up.
You are beautiful,you are strong you are enough.Love yourself all else will fall into place…………….

Dear Future Me,
I don’t know who you are, but I know who you used to be. I can’t be sure of your current aspirations – your hopes, your dreams, your fears – but I know what you used to be willing to cry for.

It’s hard to know what to write. I cannot know which thoughts or feelings that seem obvious now will fall to corners of your mind, or what aspects of our current self about that you will lose without being aware of it. But all of this hardly matters, because there is one thing I can pass on within these words: I trust you.

Whether you’ve reached the goals I’ve set or not, whether you feel life is spiraling up or down, I trust that you can become a better person. You can choose to do what’s right. Being alive is a responsibility and a privilege. I trust you not to forget that.

With fondness and great hope and trust,yours always,
Your past self

yo dear, don’t worry about what other people think about you. Be yourself, and those wo want to be your true friends will always stick by you.

Jazmin, you’re only 16 right now. but remember keep the people you love in your life. take care of them. start doing your work in school! and say thank you to your parents for everything you’ve done! trust me i’m only looking out for you.

Dear Jerry, I’m 59 now and you’re only 15 so remember to do the following:
1) People are more important than things. Work to help others and you’ll help yourself.
2) Appreciate Mom & Dad EVERY DAY cause they’re not going to be around forever.
3) Skip that year majoring in accounting and study to be a teacher – you’ll love it!
4) Marry Charlotte.
5) Read everything, even a book called “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff & It’s All Small Stuff”
6) Remember the true friends you make throughout your life and hang onto them.
7) Always help people who need it – you’re gonna love the feeling, insights and friendships.
Buy stock in Apple and beachfront real estate.
9) When there are environmentalists, listen to them. Good Luck, Me

I know that right now you think life stinks! You feel stuck in the goo of tears and loneliness. Don’t give up! Follow the light that burns in your heart. Just hold out your hand and a friend will take it and help you back on your feet. The worst is almost over.

I would write to myself and say to always believe in God and to never let the world get th best of you.I would tell myself not to make unruly decisions to mess up my future.

This cosmic dance of bursting decadence and withheld permissions twists all out arms collectively, but, if sweetness can win… and it can… Then I’ll still be here tomorrow, to high five you yesterday… My friend…

Peace…

P.s. Brush your teeth you filthy child you, I have bad gums because of your laziness.

Dear me,
When life gives you trouble, keep your held high and strive for the best. It is okay to be cautious and careful, but life is young and you only live once. So take risks and live life to the fullest, enjoy it, embrace it, and most importantly, love it. As our favorite book “Tuck Everlasting” goes, “Don’t fear death itself, but the life left unlived.”
Don’t forget to keep your heart opened!

“No one can take this away from us.” Isn’t that what Gollum said?
Hahah just kidding. Also, remember that in a few thousands years the sun will explode and the earth will no longer exist.. etc. etc. you know, what I said over lunch. Be happy.

Dear Amanda,
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Too soon, you’ll find you can’t see the forest for the leaves. It is good to be concerned with the future, but if you obsess too much, you’ll find that you missed out on the present and your past will be full of regrets.
Don’t be afraid to love yourself. Although selflessness is admirable, you can’t truly love another until you are peace with yourself.
But don’t be afraid to love others either. If you’re open with other people, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the rewards which will come your way.
Learn to see your stubbornness clearly. What you think is a virtue quickly sours and becomes a vice which will cast an ugly tinge on many aspects of your life.
Good luck and face your future with a smile.

Dear Past Self,
Don’t let anybody crush your dreams. Art is not just a hobby to you, it is your life. You can be something great. Believe in yourself and prove everyone else wrong.
Much love, The Inspired Future You

Dear Marc of 2007,

Stay true to yourself. Times are going to get difficult for you soon, but I know you can do it. Cherish the time left you have with your mother, tell her you love her a hundred times a day more than you currently do now. Hug your brother tight, and learn to respect your father who regardless of his demeanor, loves you too and only wants the best for you. Life grants you many opportunities for success even when you believe all Life has in store for you are failures. Rise above and make everyone proud.

Future Carrianne,
Do you remember being in college and thinking that your harp jury was the end of the world, or that you absolutely HAD to pass that class or else your future would be ruined forever?

Yeah… I seriously hope you’ve calmed down. If you haven’t learned by your ‘now’ that there are so many more things that matter then I don’t think I can help you. However, i know you to be fairly sensible and reasonably level headed (when it matters). Take a moment and go find your special box.
Pull out those photos you squirreled away. Yes Carrianne, even the painful ones. Those pictures, those letters, those email hard copies… You can’t change these things. They happened to you, and after everything, I hope you KNOW beyond a shadow of a doubt that I love you.
I love you, because I know you’ve been desperately afraid and alone, yet look in the mirror. You are still so strong, graceful, and kind. No one can take this away from us. You’ve had to rely on yourself more than you probably should have had to, but that’s just how things happened.
Love with more abandon.
Share your music and your passion.
Take more pictures of friends and family.
Look in the mirror and smile at yourself.

Never forget that a kind word and gentle hand can make a world of difference.

Love from here and now,
Carrianne. <3

To my younger self. Be true to yourself. Don’t take yourself or anyone else too seriously. Life is precious and too short to fret over minor details.

Dear Past Self,

Spend as much time as you possibly can with Nanny and Grandma, because their deaths are going to hit you hard.

Sweeten your words, because they leave a bitter taste that you will regret for years to come.

You are the luckiest woman alive because you have a wonderful family and amazing friends who love you unconditionally.

Try to learn to forgive yourself as well as others.

Future Self,

Right now I’m going through a lot of changes. Soon I will graduate college and marry into the US Coast Guard. I’m learning now what a challenge it will be to make everything work but its worth it. Remember all the things I’m about to do and how it felt. If you are starting to struggle with the pressures of your life look back at how much you were able to make it through to be together.

Dear Future Self:

Better luck next time.

Love,

ME.

Be true to yourself. Don’t listen to the naysayers. You don’t need anyone else’s approval. Be not afraid, dare to try new things. Don’t let anyone tell you that you have to be a doormat to other people, or that you owe them your life. Your life is your own, and it’s the only one you get. Don’t waste it. Love like there is no tomorrow, because some day there won’t be. Laugh loud and often. Never lose your wide eyed wonder.

Dear Past Me,
A little Advice:
Spend time with people who lift your spirits, get away from all the others. Try to recognize at least one awesome thing about each day, it will fill you with gratitude in the face of hard things. Don’t bottle up your pain, share it with people who love you. Stop worrying about making the right decision and be brave and go with your gut! You usually get it right, and when you don’t-you learn something valuable.

Nag mom to quit smoking Constantly and tell dad to watch that last step on the bridge. Get a mammogram before you are 30 and don’t waste time on the silly boys, except for the one who was a big nerd in high school. Get a mammogram before you are 30.

ps: Enjoy your wonderful childhood!

Dear Senior in High School: Stop waiting for your future, and create it! Believe in yourself, put aside the fear, go to college. (Yes, you can! Ask someone to explain scholarships and work-study programs to you.) Make a better life than the one in which you were raised. Choose better heroes! Stop thinking that who you are depends on what other people think, or what they did to you in the past. You don’t need anyone’s approval or acceptance. Believe in who you are, and know you are worth it. Your past does not have to hold you down anymore. — Love, your 60-year-old self.

Hey you,
First of all, just let me tell you this right now, the last Harry Potter movie was amazing. I wont ruin anything for you, but they made it into two movies. Don’t get mad, it was for the best. Anyway, let me just tell you that you’re going to make ALOT of REALLLLLY big mistakes in the next few years, ones that will result in you laying in bed for days crying. I’m not going to tell you what those things are because you really do need to experience them. Plus it’ll give you time to read the last two Harry Potter books. That becomes an even bigger influence in our life then you’d think. I just want you to know that you should never, ever give up on anyone. Three people you would least expect to ever get along with are now your best friends.
Much love,
You.

Hi Rita,

Don’t ever tell your father that him calling you all the time is annoying, it hurt his feelings and he passed away three days after the last time you spoke to him. You need your chance to say good bye.

That novel you’re writing that’s taking time away from her? FORGET IT! It’s not going anywhere, but she will!
-Me

Always remember that your thoughts on the matter create the situation. Don’t make up stories in your head about what you think happened. Above all else, bless adversity.

Do what your heart wants, and ignore the people who try to hurt you. You’ll stand taller in the end.

Dear past self,

Be a child. Forget the things troubling you now, because it makes no difference in the future. Let me worry about them. Be safe.

From yourself, many years from now.

Don’t blink!

Everything will get better, so don’t worry.
What comes will come, and you can’t stop that. But you can make it better for yourself.
Chin up, kid. Fate doesn’t shape your future, you shape your future.

With Love, Your Future Self

Hey! How’s life?

Always try to remember what your actions can do, as I still regret them to this day.

You could create another, better, timeline if we could think our decisions more thoroughly.

Also, learn java.

Have a good life.
-Me

It all works out, it always has and always will. Don’t waste all that time worrying, get out and just enjoy it.

Best wishes
From you

Hey Kid,

I have but four words to tell you. “Buy Google and Microsoft”. Don’t worry about what they are, just put them, with whatever money you have, when you here about them.

Trust me, this it will help you in the future, when you are me.

Love,
Your future self.

Turn Left…

Learn how to manage your money, you idiot!

Are you happy nowadays? I hope you are. Things are so hard sometimes, but I suppose that you must have made it through somehow. I hope you made it to Chapel Hill, like you always wanted. I hope that you have found someone who makes you feel safe and loved and special. I hope that all your dreams are finally coming true. I’m so curious as to what you’ve wound up doing with your life. It’s so hard to figure out what to do, right now. Honestly… I really just hope that you’re okay.

Quit playing around and apply yourself in school. Someday you will have a family to support with a special child and a college education will go a long way in keeping thngs together.

Listen more than you speak, never judge too quickly, assume the best of people, lower your defenses but guard your emotions, never settle for anything you know in your heart is not that which will make you happy, take a risk when it is a good risk, and when the world around you is dancing, dance.

To my past self,
I promise that it is all going to work out in the end. Have faith in each day.
I promise.
Your future self

Cherish your time with your elders. Someday they will all be gone and you won’t be able to hear their stories and wisdom.

Don’t go to college right away…Travel the world!

Postcard to me on July 2, 2004
Make Mike come home by midnight.

Guess what, you didn’t inherit Huntington’s disease after all. It’s ok to go to college and make a career for yourself. You don’t have to live under that dark cloud anymore. Come out into the sunshine.

Don’t let them put you down.
Don’t trust boys with dull eyes- even if they are a little cute. Their hearts are as dull as their eyes.
Don’t let others speak for you. You can speak for yourself.
Don’t let them take advantage of your kind nature either. Be kind but don’t be a push over.
Do love your friends. They are the best people in the entire world. They love you just as much as you love them.
Do spend time with your family. They will support you through the worse times of your life as well as the best.
Have a wonderful adolescence. Give life a chance and try not to be too jaded.
And read, read, read. Don’t ever stop reading.

You silly girl, quit being so shy!
You’ve found someone awesome, don’t let this opportunity pass you by. You need to step up and out and be yourself, because if you don’t he and everyone else will be gone before you know it. Pick up the phone, and say to him, “Let’s get coffee”. Your life will change so fast and you’ll thank me for it later… or maybe you’ve thanked me already… are doing it now? Man, this whole time thing is just as silly as you are.

Dear selves of past and future,

I’m sorry.

Dear Future-self,

Never, ever stand still.

The only person you can count on for sure is you!

To my future self and my past self I would say: keep helping others,never forsake your ethics for petty reasons, and always keep singing and dancing when all else fails.

Just keep doing the right thing. It’s easier to live with yourself later in life. You are worth the work.

Remember all the little things. You think you will remember the things that matter saying you will write it down tomorrow and never do. Don’t forget to take the road less traveled. Enjoy every failure just as much as you celebrate your successes because they will define you far more then you could ever imagine. Most of all never forget dream, and dream big, I know that you can accomplish anything you put your mind to. Trust me I have seen your future and it is Amazing!

Sincerely,

You

To my past and future self.
Wrap yourself in your own warmth, Love, believe in who you are,your visions, dreams, hopes, your goodness, validate yourself each morning. Take pleasure in nature. Work hard in every aspect you possibly can. Realize that your human .
” Never remember whats best forgotton and always remember the best”.

Honey, don’t be so shy around others. They do not look down to you… they just don’t know you yet.
Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion. Some may disagree, and that’s okay. It’s simply human nature.
Don’t let one small thing get to you. Let the small things go, because in the big, crazy scheme of things, they really didn’t matter anyway.
The world is so much more than your secluded little town you’ve lived in for over half your life. Don’t believe for a second the only life you have is where you are now, because it could change overnight.
Kneel down and pray every day, and thank God for all your blessings. You never truly know what you’ve got, until it’s gone.
In your rush and hurry with your school life and friends, don’t forget about family. Throughout your life, school eventually ends, and friends come and go… but family is your one sure constant. Don’t take that for granted.
If you set your mind to something, no matter how impossible it may seem, you can achieve it. All you need is some initiative, endurance, and faith.
Being in a relationship in high school is so overrated. No matter where you are, or who you’re with, just stay away all that drama. It leads to confusion and heartbreaks that are far from necessary. High school is meant for great friendships.
Keep a journal. When anything significant, funny, sad, or outrageous happens, write it down. It’ll be fun and interesting to look back at that years from now. You might even learn something about yourself.
Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re human, and we’re prone to making mistakes. Just make sure you learn from those mistakes. Take the opportunity to learn from others’ mistakes too. But remember, don’t be quick to judge. Other people are just as human as you are, therefore they make as many mistakes as you do. Forgive easily and often.
In times of hardship and loneliness, remember that there is always somebody who loves you, cares for you, and is there for you. Make sure that you’re that someone to somebody else, too.
Lastly, life is an adventure, so treat it as such! Life isn’t just about getting through with it and enduring it. It is meant to be enjoyed; to have unforgettable experiences, lifetime friends, and lots of laughter.

The world will often tell you that you are wrong, and even people who you love will sometimes try to knock you down! Just remember, no one will ever know you as well as you know yourself! Trust in that and forever be true to yourself… and you will grow up to be exactly the person you were always meant to be!

Though you are ordinary , you will find the strength inside you to do something extraordinary.

And that strength – is love.

Believe them when they tell you you’re beautiful and unique and that that will take you somewhere someday, if you let it.

Don’t be afraid. Do NOT be afraid. Your lack of confidence is your weakness- let yourself shine. Be willing to run on your own steam, & it will carry you where you want to go. Love people with your whole heart, but don’t depend on them. Laugh loud & genuine at whatever inspires you. Keep active, have fun, spread joy. Invest time in doing the right thing, & you’ll never have regrets. You are beautiful.

Dear Donna: Some of your greatest joy will come from incredible pain. Not what you were hoping to hear, but it’s true.
Try to live without inflicting wounds on others. They’re as scared as you are.
Laugh every single day and stop trying so hard to BE something. You are everything.
Don’t try to imitate, be an original. There will never be anyone else just like you. Be the best you EVER.
P.S. Hate is a coward. Love always wins.

Love,
Donna

Be brave. Be bold. What seems like small decisions are actually ones that are helping to open doors and options for your future – or closing those same doors and options. Choose open. Fill your life with things that make you smile and laugh. Drama is almost always a sign you are making a bad choice.

You’re going to fall in love. It won’t be well thought out or planned in advance. No matter how many times you rethink the things you’ve done or wish you could change the clothes you wore, things you’ve said or chances you’ve believed you miss will change what will happen. Love will come to you without planning, so just relax. First though, you must learn to love yourself.

Also, accept the opportunity to see the world. Sleep in dirty hostels, walk quickly down scary streets, pick up pieces of foreign languages. Turn all of these moments into learning experiences. You’ll be forever changed. Get lost in the world and find yourself.

Remember dear one that all these troublesome things, these events and occurrences that cause you to question God, self and sanity… pass quietly into the night as if they had never happened at all. Quiet your heart and your mind and do not fear the future, for I am there reaching out to you across a lifetime to extend a hand and lead you into that dark strange forest that is Life. Rest while you can for the road is long and the journey hard, but the rewards are too fantastic to be described. You must see them…for yourself. I wouldn’t ruin it for you by trying to describe the wonder of a new day.

To my future vessel,
Please don’t hate me; If you were to hate me, I don’t know how I could live with myself. You are the one being I want to make happy, the one creature I care about the most and the one person I want to see successful. I’m working on it now, trust me, no matter how much you may not. I’m doing so many things to make you content, but I worry.
So please, forgive, but don’t forget.

Hey future self, I hope this note finds you well and on you way to great discovery and fortune. Remember that a cube of sugar can solve all the problems in this world but cause problems beyond my current cosmic comprehension, and always be looking for another book to give to a stranger, right now you/I recommend “The doors of his face… The lamps of his mouth”. Oh and stay classy.

Dear Past Me,
I know sometimes it’s hard, but love all you can. No matter how ridiculous it seems, just fall deeply in love and don’t worry about a thing. You are beautiful and strong. We’re gonna go through a lot, but it made us into on amazing human being. Love yourself above all else, because you can’t truly love anyone else if you don’t love you. Oh, and there are no hover cars in 2012, or magical cereal dispensers. I know, I’m disappointed too.
Love, Future Maggie

Do good for good is good to do. Spurn the bribe of heaven and the threats of hell. ( The Kasidah) Just do the good!

Never give up. Never, never, never, never give up.

Just know that you were right, when you were 20 regardless of how many people tried to change your mind. Don’t change the decisions you make based upon the convictions of others, because your inherent belief is strong, and each decision you make, regardless of outcome, will add depth to your life. You will never look back and say, “I shouldn’t have done that’ but instead will say “I deviated from my belief in me and learned from it. I am only better for it and have had one heck of a life because of it.” Good things WILL happen, along side the grief and the losses, and you will realize that change just is a part of life. You are better for allowing it into your life. Don’t let fear rule you.

Trust yourself. You have never, nor will ever, steer you wrong. The only time you make mistakes, is when you aren’t listening to your own wisdom. Everything you’ll ever need you already possess within you. And remember, whatever the circumstances, you go on. That is your anchor.

To my 20 year old self:
Go ahead and major in English.
You will get a job. Don’t worry.
And they will like you because you can read, and write, and talk, and think.
And because you are wise.
And you will be those things because you spent time reading everything you can get your hands on.
You will own your own home, have children, travel the world, and meet the love of your life.
And it will be a blast.
Go ahead, majoring in English is definitely a good decision.
Savor it.

Believe YOU can! Take pride in your abilities and use them for the good of others. You are so much wiser than you think. LOVE freely. Think Happy. Focus on who you are in Christ. Be good to you. Love yourself.

Believe YOU can! Take pride in your abilities. You are so much wiser than you think. LOVE freely. Think Happy. Focus on who you are in Christ. Be good to you. Love yourself.

To my 11 year old self (when I first read the Time Quartet):
One thing your parents tell you REALLY is true: the opinions of kids at school might hurt now, but it won’t matter shortly. (In fact most of them will want to be your friend before long).

To my 21 year old self (who reread the quartet): Make some decisions, drifting hurts more than settling on a tack. Sieze opportunities, most of them won’t come back. Don’t follow the money and don’t follow the boy.

To my 25 year old self (who listened to adeleine read the books for the first time): Library school is a great idea, but dump the chump and write in your spare time.

To my 30 & 40 year old self (who listened again): see what you just said to your 21 year old self.

Dear Sarah,
Forgive yourself. You will soon be facing circumstances that will change you and others around you. The coming events will strip you to your bare bones and unmask the true nature of those around you. Never let them tell you who you are. That target on your back will leave some scars but it will not be there forever. If you need to find truth look for it in those scars- they show where you have been and can never mislead you.
Lastly, do not forget to tell people you love them. You only have so many chances to let others know how you really feel, never pass up even a single one, because people tend to disappear too.

Hello.
I know you’ve suffered a lot with the fear of who you’re going to be down the road.
I know that every night when you lay down for bed, you grow until the end of your life, and every morning you wake up you’re the same age you were born with, but a little more tired, and a little more nostalgic, and a lot older, mentally.
I know there are things you’ll always question, and things you’ll always be afraid of, but I want you know that you don’t have to be afraid.
I want you to know that your potential is yet to be reached.
I want you to know that you will come to terms with inevitable change.

I want you to know that you will love, and you will grow.

I want you to know that you won’t be afraid, anymore, so don’t give up.

Claudia.

I would tell myself that he was an abuse S.O.B. and that would never change, whether or not he gave me 2 great kids

Postcard to me the first week of January, 1999:
Don’t go anywhere with your friends this week when your Mother comes to visit. Stay home and talk with her. Really talk. Give her a big hug and tell her how much you love her. Say everything you’ve ever wanted to say.

She will die in her sleep on Thursday night, January 14th.

When it feels like doing it may embarrass you, do it. If you think it is going to hurt them, it will more than you know. When you know deep down “I got this” don’t hesitate because you are right. And finally when the girl in the green hoodie winks, never let her go.

To my 16 year old self I would say, You are ok just the way you are. You are not fat, just a little overweight. You need to eat healthy and watch the carbs. The consequences will give you Diabetes and a lonely life. You don’t need to please boys just to be popular or liked. They will not like you anymore (and perhaps less) after you do what they want. Don’t go by that that one guys house you like. Trust me. Your self esteem is more important than anything else. You will have a wonderful man in your life, but cherish him because he won’t be with you for long. Don’t be so quick to speak harshly. Good memories should be cherished not regretted.
You will have two great children. Be consistent with them. Don’t give in. They will thank you for it later.
If you follow these rules you will have a good life. Please do not eat to substitute food with emotions. You are loved very much.

To my past self,

Don’t be afraid to try new things and don’t cling to the past. Don’t take the things you have in the present for granted and do things that make you happy. Listen to the advice of people who care about you.

Dear self,
Remember the voices in your head are real. They are smarter then you. You should listen to them once in a while so we don’t run in to trouble. Some of your dreams do come true. The problem is these are the ones you don’t remember. Life gets better in either direction. The past is always fondly remembered and less painful then it really was and the future is full of possibilities! Don’t forget to feed the dogs.

To me for the 40 years after my dad died when I was nine,
Stop being afraid of everything and enjoy life. Get some counseling!

Dear Theresa,
Don’t beat yourself up because of time lost; there will never be enough time. Smile every chance you get and make one person smile every day; that is a day worth saving. Work is a four-letter word for a reason: IT’S NOT YOUR LIFE, and does NOT define you. Your interactions with others and your faith define you.

Leave the world better than you found it.

P.S. Write down your laughable moments; it will carry you through in old age, and remind you how fun imperfection can be!

Nic, to get to maturity you have to go through immaturity. You are going to fail, but you will not settle there. There is a purpose for everything you are going through, but not just for your own benefit. Others will glean and learn and grow because of what you are learning. Be willing to learn through failure, find other sisters with whom to walk shoulder to shoulder, and listen well to the One who is speaking and guiding you even now. You aren’t alone like you think. And wait for Matt. He’s worth it.

Dear Past Me,

Don’t pee in the pool. Idiot.

Sincerely,

Magic Jo (fo’ realz!)

To 24 year old Chris,

Get a flu shot this year to prevent your type 1 Diabetes.

Then,
just in case,
get working on any degree that will lead you to help in finding a cure.

Fortune cookie wisdom is trite, so I won’t bother you with any: my advice is to write a novel, so we can make sense of all this.

Don’t you dare be cliche, ever.
You’re going to turn out fine.
Eat chocolate and Intelligentsia coffee for breakfast, everyday.
God is who he claims to be.
Burn this postcard, because it’ll probably really mess with our mind if it ever drops back out of the time-space continuum.

To 23 year old me:
Don’t waste 18 years of your life waiting for a man to stop cheating and lying. Additionally, don’t wait for him to one day start: appreciating you; encouraging you; valuing your opinion; putting you before ANYthing else in his life; loving you unconditionally. If he doesn’t do those things right away, walk away before you turn into Brer Rabbit stuck in the tar baby.
Also, don’t spend so much money on trivial things!
Love, 41 year old me

to my 13 yr old self who was afraid for anyone to know I wore a wig – you are beautiful, with or without. You also have no idea how jealous everyone is going to be that you don’t have to shave your legs.

to my 19-20ish self who met Ms. L’Engle at a church in Birmingham, AL – it’s ok you were too in awe to blurt out anything more than “I really love your books!” She will sign them all anyway and I doubt they would have let you kidnap her and take her to tea and demand she divulge all the answers to all the plot and character questions you had. They will look great on your shelf years later next to TKAM signed by Harper Lee.

To my 25 year old self who thought you’d never get it together again after your Mom died. You will. You will also miss Mom more than you could have imagined, and you will fall down many more times. The important thing is you got up again and again.

Yasmine – What I would say to myself at 23
Yasmine, you are a swan in the midst of ducklings much like your favorite book as a child the ugly ducking. Its so sad you don’t see your own beauty .
You have made the mistake that many of us make and judge your beauty against someone else ..
a rose and a daisy and an orchid are all equally beautiful and what a shame it would be if a rose compared its beauty to that of an
orchid. sounds silly right,
We love the rose for its sensuality
and the orchid for it elegance
and the daily for its simplicity.
Never ever be something you are not
and the best way to find out who you are is to
cherish your beauty and you can begin with your smile
You can start by loving your hair and your almond eyes .
And while we are on the subject -
Please smile more . Its nice to save the world
and stand up for justice
but the reason why so few are down
to hold a picket sign with you is
because you don’t smile as much
relax a little laugh more and loosen up some .
The best way to change the world
is to work on yourself a
nd you my dear need to smile

The most revolutionary act of change starts with you.

To my past self. Get out a and do things while you can, as you get older it gets harder.

Dear older self,
You made it!, if you are reading this then by God you beat the clock so to speak. Crazy to read this isn’t it?

Avoid drive-through windows – they’re too rushed and impersonal.
Talk – and listen – to the people you meet.
Not all talents have to be shared in public – don’t feel pressured.
Don’t gossip and don’t participate in emotional drama.
Don’t shop for recreation.
Choose truth over political correctness.
Never pretend to be someone you aren’t, and never apologize for who you are.
Most important: Act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8

Oh, self. It does get better…

…and it gets worse.

But every day is worth it. Don’t forget to be compassionate – for it is through compassion that we become divine. Be grateful. Don’t be afraid.

And for God’s sake, return those library books so that someone else can check them out! Jeez.

Tesser well,

Me

Don’t worry about what they think of you now. In ten years, you will be able to see them and be happy- no matter what they say.
In the meantime, don’t put off your burning question. Seize the moment. Stop making excuses. Go find him!
It’s okay to cry- but make sure you laugh at least a little more.

Tami:

Fame, money and prestige are pointless.
Give more.
Want less.
Live simply.
Slow down.
Read every day.
Write every day.

Start reading great books as soon as you can. Universes lie between those covers.

Always listen to your instincts. Even if it means doing something off the beaten path or changing plans that you thought you engraved in stone.
Everything will be okay.
Always be you.
And when you can’t find yourself, stop, write, doodle, knit, hug the dog, take a nap, and then breathe. You’re still there.

To the 12 year old I used to be,

People pleasing is no way to live your life, but if you must, make sure the person you please the most is yourself.

Dear Tami:

You can’t orchestrate life. You can’t know which seemingly minor decision will be the one that changes the course of your life And you can’t know which supposed life-changing choice will turn out to be inconsequential.

Make the best choices you can from where you are each day and move forward.

Dear Little Nina… This message is from your future! Don’t worry: you will survive all the hard times that are happening now. You WILL find love, you WILL have children, and you WILL be happy. Unfortunately, life as an adult is not really easier—but it will be very different from your childhood now.
My most important message to you is this: EVERYTHING CHANGES. When you think you can’t stand “whatever” any longer, don’t worry: things will change. And when you think your life is perfect: things will change then, too.
Tell the people you love that you love them, every day. You will never know when it will be the last time you will ever get to say anything to them…. I love you!! You are wonderful, just the way you are!! Love, Big Nina

Dear future me,

hopefully you stopped worrying about useless stuff years ago.
don’t forget to brush your teeth and comb your hair. whatever you remember about 2012 it probably was half as bad. did you find out more about post-structuralism? well i hope so. it would be totally awesome if you’d been on the road a lot or even on the sea. if not please make it happen.

… stay happy.

your past you.

Dear…. me at 13.

Couple things:
High school only _feels_ like an eternity. Plus, you get summers off.
Kiss the girl – she likes you, too. Trust me, our kids are amazing. I just don’t want you waiting until our ten year reunion to get around to it.
When you get the chance to go study wolves in Italy, don’t let it get away.
You’re the best writer you know. Don’t let that one slip.
(Btw, put together a story about a kid at boarding school for wizards – maybe with some sort of scar on his forehead).

Dear 18-yr-old self:

Do not marry that cute Marine with the nice bum. Nothing good will come of it. Also, get a passport and get out of the country.

Love,
Me

Dear 74 year old Me,
I hope this freaks you out IMMENSELY, but its me… the 25 year old you. I just wanted to remind you that you are beautiful. Yes, your tattoos have faded, they are wrinkly and gross… your stretched ears no longer have the elasticity they used to & they now strongly resemble a cat butt, and your hair is too fragile & thin to dye a different color every week. People still stare & point, and you scare away most little kids. But little do these strangers know, how much of a Bad Ass you were in your time. You lived, You learned, you laughed, you cried, you saw a lot, sang a lot, danced a ton and drank it up….you helped, donated, volunteered, and even saved a kitten from the highest tree. The story and art etched accross your body tells a wonderful story. So dont worry, YOU ARE STILL BEAUTIFUL.

Dear 17-year-old Lydia,

Not that guy. The one sitting next to him. Trust me. He may not have a skunk stripe in his hair, but he’s WAY cooler.

Dear Teenaged Jennifer,
You really are thin enough. And stop trying so hard to win the guy. He’ll come around if he’s the right one.

Hey youngun’
Remember it is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all….and remember that being alone does not mean being lonely. Take joy in the quiet, and just live!

To my past self,
Soon you are going to meet people who will call you odd, who will stop being your friend because of who you are and what you like. This will result in a time when you will want to hide and change yourself, but don’t. Every crazy dream you have, chase it down. Trust me, it leads to amazing adventures.
Always trust in God, and never stop loving people. Somewhere out there is a friend who will understand you and give you a chance.

Dear 14 year old Gail,
Everything happens for a reason. By age 60, you will understand this.
Write down Granny’s and Dad’s stories. You will miss them if you don’t.
Life is hard and temporary but God is good and eternal.

Dear Little Me: Stop and look. Stop and listen. Stop and learn. Stop and enjoy. Take it all in. You’ll be grateful. Sincerely, Older Me

Dear Future Me: Remember the smell of your children’s newborn heads. Do not forget their hands on your face, on your hands, on your chest. Recall their first smiles and hearty laughs. Imagine their young faces sleeping, peaceful, lost in dreams. Hear their voices, singing simple songs, asking questions, calling for you. They are amazing. Keep loving them, and when they are gone, on their own, carry them with you as you venture into new places. Look for them in all that you do. Sincerely, Now Me

Dear Past Self,

Hold your head up, your shoulders back, and look people in the eye. You are as great as your dreams. Now believe that you can live them.

-Us

Dear 15 year old Carrie,
Trust me. All those girls who call you names for being fat, or for being a nerd, or for not having a boyfriend, or not being popular…one day they’ll stalk you on this thing called Facebook, and you’ll take great joy in realizing that most of them never left your home town, had their best years in high school, and are really fat. Success and happiness is always the best revenge.

Dear 12 year old Heather,
On April 28th, 1992 tell your 8th grade teacher before he leaves for the day to drive safely, stall him, tell him how much he means to you. I don’t know if it is possible for you to prevent a horrible thing that will happen but I think you should try. Surrender your entire life to God this year and you will be prevented from making so many mistakes. Enjoy being young and beautiful, stop believing you aren’t good enough now or you will struggle with it your whole life. God has the perfect person for you and he is not from Maryland he is from Florida so stop messing around with any other guy. True love does exist but it is between you and God and no one else. Eat healthier and find a way to have more confidence. Spend more time with your Aunt Andrea, be a better friend to Susie, don’t sell the car your dad gets for you. You have ADD so I know it is hard but work harder on your grades, work harder on the sports you enjoy, read even more than you already are. Enjoy every moment with your siblings because they make bad choices later on and maybe you can help them now. Lastly,and hardest of all, try to love your dad even when he makes mistakes, even when he hurts you. You may find out you can’t trust many people but you can trust God always.

Hey. Thanks for hanging in there, and following your instincts, and not giving up. I always beleived in you. I envy you. I look up to you, and I am always hoping you are safe and close to me in your heart. Maybe I can somehow remind you how crazy its always been, how passionate you once were, how I know that you still are. Im picturing you sitting on a bench with long grey hair tied back,long dark skirt, and a grey sweater, and some brown leather shoes, feet crossed, holding this card, and gazing at a pond, thinking of all the distance that seperates us, all that happens between us now when I write this and us then you when you read this should I want to fast forward? the way that you do every day? Probably through a couple, hah but I always knew (know) this letter will find you there, old and happy and clothed.

Dear Little Miss Smarty,
Yes yes yes, I know you know it all; but I know more than you, so listen up: You don’t know everything. Keep your ears open and your eyes scanning, and don’t miss a THING. All those horrible, terrible, awful things that are in store for you? Don’t worry about it! Some things are there, and you’ll know them when they come, and you WILL survive (trust me!!). Those heart-busting experiences will make you stronger, and more fearless, and more open to living your life. So embrace the bad with the beautiful, and don’t forget to forgive (that goes for yourself AND those who hurt you)…And one last thing: that “plan” that you want? Let it go now, so you’ll be more ready when chance and opportunity conspire to throw a ball of awesomeness your way. After all, you can’t catch the awesome while you’re still holding a lump of coal. Live, love and be happy, you deserve it, and I’ll see you around the bend <3

Dear Alisha,

Mason just broke up with you. And you’re pretty sure nothing is really ever going to be ok. But I promise you it is. And I know you think that no one else will ever love you again, but don’t worry, we find someone else. (In fact, it takes awhile but for the record we have another significant other before he does – if that helps at all?) I know you’re probably mad at me because I apparently have the ability to write to you from the future and instead of warning you about this incredible heartbreak and helping prevent it I chose to talk to you after. But trust me, this is one of those fixed points in history that needs to happen. (Side note: That’s a reference from Doctor Who. Which is a fantastic show, you should start watching it now, trust me we love it.) I know that all you want right now is him – and a part of you will always miss him, I still do. But it fades. It really does. The last thing I want to tell you is to stop talking to him right now. It’s going to hurt and it doesn’t end well (spoilers). Tell him you need some time to get over the hurt and when you’re feeling better you can be a proper friend to him. I’m not sure if this will change anything but trust me – you will miss his friendship more than you can imagine. Oh Alisha, I promise you, everything is going to be ok. And you will be happy and loved again.

Love,
Me

P.S. Get the Hummus sandwich at Dewey’s with smoked gouda and cheddar (no tomatos obviously). It’s seriously our favorite sandwich ever and will probably make you feel a little bit better.

Don’t forget… you like music.

Dear Nine-year old self,
You’re afraid of love and you don’t even realize yet. Deep down you know it’s probably no one’s fault that your parents just got divorced. As they keep reassuring you, it certainly isn’t yours. You’re learning that things happen and it doesn’t necessarily have to be anyone’s fault.
I’m sending this to you to tell you what I’ve learned about love this far, in hopes that it will prevent any fear that’s being engraved on your soul.
It’s best to learn early on that love isn’t just one thing. There’s many ways to love.
You probably want to know- have I been in love?
Well, there’s never been a specific person. You’re probably disappointed that you don’t end up with the boy you like from school right now, the one who plays tether ball with you every recess (although I did just find him on facebook, so I guess there’s still hope! You won’t know what facebook is until high school).
But I have absolutely lived a life of love. It doesn’t just mean having a person there for you. I’ve fallen in love with the sky, cups of tea, sunsets, music, and finally myself. There is no limit to your love. Once you realize this, you stop being lonely.
Being lonesome is the focus on lack of other people. But being alone is the focus on YOU. Getting to know and love yourself, which allows you to be more capable to get to do the same for others. This helps you be less alone, but also helps you realize it’s okay to be.
You’re never truly alone though. You have your dog and a record collection (which is much more impressive now)!
You’ll spend some time feeling lost, and you’ll be obsessed with trying to find the answers to EVERYTHING. But eventually you’ll learn that the questions are just as important as the answers. They are your journey there.
Have I gotten there yet? In a way I have. I’ve learned that happiness isn’t a destination, it’s right NOW. That’s all that really exists, isn’t it? The past is to be cherished, but let go of. And tomorrow never actually gets here because when it does, it’s today.
Then again, if this post card actually reaches you, then I suppose I know nothing of time, for I haven’t mastered time travel…yet.
There’s a lot of things I still don’t know, and it’s alright.
And it all will be.
You have a world of people who love you, including yourself.
“There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.
It’s easy. All you need is love.” -The Beatles.

One day you’ll be able to look up anything online.
But for now- enjoy life as it is, cellphone-less and confusing.

LOVE,
Brittany, age twenty

Dear Nine-year old self,
You’re afraid of love and you don’t even realize yet. Deep down you know it’s probably no one’s fault that your parents just got divorced. As they keep reassuring you, it certainly isn’t yours. You’re learning that things happen and it doesn’t necessarily have to be anyone’s fault.
I’m sending this to you to tell you what I’ve learned about love this far, in hopes that it will prevent any fear that’s being engraved on your soul.
It’s best to learn early on that love isn’t just one thing. There’s many ways to love.
You probably want to know- have I been in love?
Well, there’s never been a specific person. You’re probably disappointed that you don’t end up with the boy you like from school right now, the one that plays tether ball with you every recess (although I did just find him on facebook, so I guess there’s still hope! You won’t know what facebook is until high school).
But I have absolutely lived a life of love. It doesn’t just mean having a person there for you. I’ve fallen in love with the sky, cups of tea, sunsets, music, and finally myself. There is no limit to your love. Once you realize this, you stop being lonely.
Being lonesome is the focus on lack of other people. But being alone is the focus on YOU. Getting to know and love yourself, which allows you to be more capable to get to do the same for others. This helps you be less alone, but also helps you realize it’s okay to be.
You’re never truly alone though. You have your dog and a record collection (which is much more impressive now)!
You’ll spend some time feeling lost, and you’ll be obsessed with trying to find the answers to EVERYTHING. But eventually you’ll learn that the questions are just as important as the answers. They are your journey there.
Have I gotten there yet? In a way I have. I’ve learned that happiness isn’t a destination, it’s right NOW. That’s all that really exists, isn’t it? The past is to be cherished, but let go of. And tomorrow never actually gets here because when it does, it’s today.
Then again, if this post card actually reaches you, then I suppose I know nothing of time, for I haven’t mastered time travel…yet.
There’s a lot of things I still don’t know, and it’s alright.
And it all will be.
You have a world of people who love you, including yourself.
“There’s nowhere you can be that isn’t where you’re meant to be.
It’s easy. All you need is love.”

One day you’ll be able to look up anything on google.
But for now- enjoy life as it is, cellphone-less and confusing.

LOVE,
Brittany, age twenty

Always wondered what I would have done if I had known what my future held.

Wow! I’m in tears

Dear 12-year-old Paige,

Hello! You have just finished elementary school, and you are already dying to go back. I know, junior high and high school sound scary, but guess what? You’ll do great. Keep working hard and focus on your goal of being a teacher. Can I tell you something exciting? You promise to keep working hard?

Well, here it is. You are reaching your goal. Only a little over a year and you’ll be student teaching! I know, you actually accomplished your goal. You’re going to get to go back to elementary school! Maybe not in the way your first anticipated, but life has a funny way of working itself out so that even our wildest wishes that may seem impossible might just find a way of working out.

Keep believing in yourself and keep believing in the beauty of children. Keep reading, smiling, and chasing your goals…because they are attainable! Also, don’t kiss that boy. You know who I’m talking about, well, you will.

Good luck my dear!

College-aged-Paige

First of all, this is my favorite all time book. If I could future message myself, I would tell me-relax and enjoy! Life only gets harder. I would love to regress to the times of leisure reading. I still love to read, but have less time to enjoy it. I have a few books that remind me of relaxation and that is priceless.

Dear Nathan,

Unfortunately, we do not know each other, and to be honest, we never will. You once wrote a letter to me years ago, and reading it again the other day sparked the memories. I have to say, things have panned out accordingly, but the success I gained falls solely on your shoulders. Your imagination never ceased to amaze me; the naïve, child-like nature sculpted the man in the mirror. Life has thrown so many loops, forcing me to face reality. Through your insight and ingenuity, I have found means of resolution in every struggle I have faced. Continue to follow the lead of every educator you encounter – mom, dad, Sissy, your teachers and peers, everyone. Your readings will take you far, and never forget, all things are possible, simply believe. I could offer advice, but only one message plays through my mind. Thank you. Your struggles have not been in vain. Every battle you fought was in my honor and name. What more can I ask of you? Forever, I am indebted to this little childhood boy, ya dork! As always, take care. You have my love forever.

Nathan H.

P.S. You remember how you wanted to read minds? We’ll you can! You watch enough people, and one day the psychology will pay off! Don’t worry about the big words. It’ll all make sense after that wrinkle in time smooths out!!!

Dear Susan, don’t worry about what others say you should or shouldn’t do for your career, or what will or won’t make enough money.

Don’t rule out helping people as your path. You didn’t consider it the first time through and you wasted a lot of time. That was because you let other people define what was “good enough.”

It just has to be good enough for you. And you aren’t wrong.

Dear seven year old Mike,
You are about to go through hell. Life is not easy and the friends you think are so important now will have their own lives far away from you in about twenty six years. Do not despair! I am telling you that everything will work out. Do you want to have a simpler, more rewarding life? You should read more books. Delve into them. Read books by Stephen King, Jack Kerouac, Edgar Allan Poe and Stephen Hawking. You should also pick up an instrument (maybe a guitar or violin) and ask your parents to hire a professional that knows how to play. Start doing push ups and lift ten pound weights. Think about writing your own stories. Listen to music! A few people you should ask your parents about are Beethoven, Mozart, and Bach. Listen to Skid Row and Nirvana. Look up a violinist named Shankar. I know this all seems overwhelming, but I also know you better than you think. You can handle everything I have written down. By the way, throw that television out; you will not need it for at least ten years.

Your loving, future self,

You.

Dear Future Me,

Looking back, was I a better person than how I saw myself? Do we grow our backbone back? Do we still make bad puns? Did you find different friends? I mean they seem great now, yes, but I hope you did because these high school ones ones are breaking you down. Do we actually marry who we are 100% sure we are going to marry at 16? I bet we do, but only you know!
The point of this though, is that I want you to remember we are paying our dues in high school. So if you are still paying your dues in 10 or 20 years: Stop. Go to Hawaii. If that doesn’t exist just go somewhere else beautiful and warm.
Lastly, Love everything and everyone. But you don’t have to. Just be optimistic.
Love, your past self. Because you know we love ourself.

Dear 32 year old Ashley,

Never forget how to laugh. It’s what makes you you. The people who have loved you your whole life will always be around if you let them. If you have a family, devote your time to their happiness. Make sure to listen to your children. They’re your little babies, but they’re also little people. Help them grow into the best individuals they can be. Nourish them with love and kindness. Help them to understand their mistakes. You’ve always been so understanding, and the people in your life appreciate that about you.
When things get rough don’t hesitate to ask for help. Open lines of communication are key to getting what you need. You’re never too old for a bear hug and some butterfly kisses from someone you care about.
Hopefully you’re happy with your career choice, if not, change it. You’re never too old for that either.

I love you and I hope you’re doing okay!
Sincerely,

The fun loving, adventurous, 21 year old, you.

My Dear Fourteen-year-old Self,

Nine years in the future, you’ll continue living independently, still without Mr. Perfect (like we need him). You’ll be aware of your Autism Spectrum Disorder, and stop giving yourself headaches over incompatible homework. You’ll stop having doubts about God’s existence, and be quite thankful when the Creator of time slows it down so you aren’t late for work.

You’ll have a sister who interrupts you while you’re writing a letter to yourself. You’ll have changed schools (almost) four times and changed majors roughly eight times. You will be neither a lawyer, nor an anthropologist. Some people will treat you the same way they do now, as they pull through the drive at the coffee place you work at, forgetting that you’re a woman. The free trip hop album you listen to will grow into one of your faves.

Your future will be just as uncertain, but your mood won’t be. Your face will even out and you’ll be more comfortable in your pale, creamy skin. Walk in certainty: you are a different cut of person. Some people like you, some people can’t stand you; who cares? Live in today, unmoved from circumstance. Don’t let what surrounds you distract your soul. The temporary humdrum was never where we belonged, anyway.

Take It Easy,
The Older You

Hello 15 year old Kym, (this is when you picked up the change of spelling to your name). I want to tell you that your beautiful, even when though no one tells you I am telling you do not worry why certain people didn’t care for you because they were very selfish. But lets not worry over this because this issue really is the smallest issue that happens in your life. In the year 2008 September 16th, 11:45 am you are told you have cancer, I tell you not to scare you but so you can prevent his from happening. you lost both breasts and then the cancer spread and you had to have a hysterectomy then they had to take the rest of your female organs out. its been painful and scarey, and most of all . from all the hurt is feeling like I am not female anymore. We don’t feel like a man, but this makes us struggle everyday (lean to God he will always be there for you). you kept missing your doctor appointments because you kept forgetting. Don’t miss the doctors. GO… life is hard but its also beautiful, I wouldn’t want any other choices changed, because they made you a wonderful person. and you have some wonderful and amazing children that God has blessed you with. so… for them, for you, your worth the extra time! I am worth the extra time.

Dear 13 year old Norma,
In response to what you keep wondering:
You WILL expand to reaches of consciousness
unimaginable right now,
You will learn, far more deeply, to see beauty in unlikely places.
One of those places will be yourself
You will learn to appreciate your tendency to
be bursting through a delicate fiber; constantly.
A satisfaction will engulf all pain, when you understand
that life is what you make it.
That in any given moment, you have the choice to DECIDE if any one event should affect you,
if you should allow it to become you.
Your let’s GO. RIGHT NOW. attitude
You will begin to become more than only a theory.
Norma, you are and always will be that picture, at a romantic angle, displaying the implied inspiration of a common place affair
between perspective and reality.
THE perceptual yearning to make life beautiful.
The thought that entered through the unknown back door and thus caught them off guard.
Someday, you will even help others understand the enchanting fire that burns within us all. I know you will. It becomes concrete within you that this, THIS is the very thing you were born….nay, made for.

There is always more, Norma. Always.
Even when you think there is nothing left for you,
life will surprise you.
Like it always does

Don’t ever let anyone make you feel poorly.
You deserve those who make you feel “delightful” and worth while, because that is exactly what you always have been and will always be. There is no excuse that will cut it, it’s fine to understand people, it is too much to allow them to hurt you because of this. It is not your fault that someone is cold to you, there ARE descent people in the world, there truly are. You don’t have to settle for less. Even if you think that’s all you deserve.

STOP LYING TO YOURSELF. Stop telling yourself “this hurts.”
Stop telling yourself that “you can’t”
You CAN and you WILL.
Thoughts not Time.
Anyone can change, RIGHT NOW, it takes thoughts not time.
Change what you tell yourself and you will change how you see the world and furthermore how you feel.
There are enough thoughts in the world and enough perspectives for you to fumble through and consider it an enjoyable ride that you continue to wake up grateful and inspired over. A time to be someone, to be something, and isn’t it mesmerizing that you somehow collected the fragmented pieces of your childhood and did what you do best, created something majestic out of disarray.
Continue to believe in this process of creation, keep it in your most intimate affection always, with a light hearted smile, because that’s all anyone ever needs.
Keep reinvented yourself chronically.
Keep beginning anew and shedding old skin.
You will reach so much more of yourself by the time you get to me

Synchronized coincidences are not signs, they are manifestations of beliefs.
This doesn’t make them any less sickly.

These strange things create you.
These concepts thought you up, so they would have something to appreciate them.

That should be enough.

Oh and you’re schizophrenic. None of that is true, nor will it ever be…not that the truth contains any less magic. For you see, philosophically speaking: magic is magic, even when it’s not. Do not fret, life will become more real to you shortly. Surprisingly reality is even better than the fantasy you dream through. Far more.

This should be enough.

With love,
19 year old you.

Dear 13 year old Patricia,

Hi! You just started high school and everything is perfect. High school will be the wonderful four years of your life. You will have amazing experiences in both academic and personal aspect of your life. You will have the greatest friends in the world. You will excel in everything you do. It all sounds great doesn’t it?.. In all things great, there is a downside. After a year, you will experience a terrible lost. It will change you and the people around you. I am telling you this so you will be prepared emotionally and physically. Value what you have right now because you will never know what will happen in the future. Keep your faith in God,cherish family and friends, do not let anything destruct you and live every moment. I know you will conquer this. I know you will. You will be alright Patricia.. you will be alright.

Sincerely,
20 year old you.

Dear 16-year old Me
Well, he we are and it’s not quite what we expected. I don’t have a job, and I’m not even done with school yet, and I guess I can attribute it to my high school days. Right now you are struggling with calculus and crushing on a stupid boy who doesn’t care for you. I’m telling you now to drop calculus, because if you don’t, you’ll regret it forever. YOU DON’t need that class and that boy you’re chasing after is a waste of time. You know you can do better and there will be a lot better guys out there. Here is a tip, don’t jump to conclusions!It will get you in so much trouble, you’ll be kicking yourself for it. Don’t ever break up with a guy online, instead talk to him in person. You probably can’t believe all the stuff we’ve been through, but if you keep your cool it will make things easier.
When you graduate go straight to avc , and I know you don’t want to go there, but believe me, it’s best if you don’t waste any time at another school. That school mom wants you to go, will be too fast-paced for you. One last thing, Mom and Dad will move back in together, can you believe that? I sure can’t, so enjoy your adolescence because it sure goes by incredibly fast.

Dear Young Mother Me,

Let’s talk about you for a minute. You are beautiful. I know, you don’t feel that way. You feel tired, and you don’t even recognize your body any more. But, trust me, you are beautiful. These next weeks, months, years, will be the most challenging and fulfilling of your life – and you are ready. You will second-guess yourself a lot, become your own worst critic. Remember this: You are a new to this job. You do not have to have all the answers. You don’t even have to understand all the questions. Lighten up. Give yourself some grace. You will make plenty of mistakes, but along the way you will find what works for you. Trust your gut, talk to your husband, learn to know that sweet baby in your arms. There is no one right way to be a parent, to be a family. You will make a wonderful, quirky, amazing family that is just right for you.

Now about your precious baby. I don’t know whether to tell you this now, or let it unfold in time. Either way it is going to be painful. You see, her brain and body are already growing differently from other babies. In time, you will hear all kinds of horrible predictions about what life will be like for her. You will be told to keep her in a bubble, protect her from everything, make her happy and comfortable. I’m here to tell you not to listen to any of that. If you listen to the “experts’” dire predictions, you will forget to live. So, go ahead, let her get dirty. Let her explore. You will find out she loves rocks. Put her up on that horse, instead of in the adapted swimming class they suggest. She loves the freedom and the power. She will not get hurt…not even when the horse decides to jump. She will hold tight to the reins and keep her seat. It will become one of your favorite memories. Give her a computer. Let her write. Her words are powerful. Challenge her. She will graduate high school. It will be a struggle. You will cry many nights, and beg God to fix her. It won’t happen. What will happen is you will learn the change isn’t necessary. She is perfect just the way she is.

The future is not what you are imagining as you rock with her there in your arms. It will be much different. But know this: The two of you will be just fine. And, you really are beautiful.

Love,
Me

Dear Lynnie,

I know you think you are different from everybody else, and that it hurts a lot right now. You are very shy and very much afraid of what people will think of you if you stick out from the crowd, so you hide who you really are. I want you to know that if anyone laughs at you, bullies or teases you, it’s about THEM and their insecurities and not about you. You are different for a very good reason. You are SUPPOSED to be different. You are special, brilliant and beautiful. You are absolutely perfect, exactly the way you are. Remember Meg from “A Wrinkle in Time?” She was very much like you in that she felt awkward and different, and kept trying to change herself to be more like other people. But if she were more like other people, there would have been a great loss to her family, her friends and the rest of the world. Keep on growing into who you really are and stop paying attention to what other people think you should be. You have special gifts that are so needed in this world.

Dear Me,

Hope you get this before fifteen, because that’s when you screw up. Big time. Tell Mom you need help coping; she will understand, trust me. Take the job at the hospital, you will like it. That’s what I did. If you spend more time hiding from man than talking to him, there is a reason. Don’t be so gullible, tell him to get lost. The rest is not so OK, but you need it to learn and grow. Know what your children do when you are not around. LISTEN to them. Even their silence can speak volumes. Even if it’s not, you can’t change it because if you do, you won’t end up in the magical spot you do in your mid to late forties. Trust your heart and listen to your intuition and stop being so darn indecisive! One final thought…dogs can be destructive. Never adopt two at the same time. PLEASE.

Dear 10 year old Sam,

Keep reading books even if they aren’t assigned in school, as I know you will, but don’t believe everything you read (especially about what life will be like in the future). Try not to be so hard on your parents for moving you around; they are doing the best they can and you will learn a lot by living in different places. Try not to worry so much about being “popular”. All you need is a few loyal, smart, and interesting friends and you can be confident that one day you will find a lot of people who like and love you for who you are.

Yes, you are smart, but you don’t always know more about life than your teachers and parents. Just because they get it wrong sometimes doesn’t mean they are wrong about everything. Listen to what they say, especially about staying healthy.

Finally, use your open and trusting heart to love yourself as much as you love others. Try to use your head before you give away your love. No matter what you do, you will get hurt and your heart will be broken but it is a strong organ and will heal. Invest more in yourself than in other people and you will always have what you need when people leave. The only thing in life that never changes is change. Adages, maxims, epigrams, proverbs, platitudes, bumper stickers and other sayings get repeated so often because they are usually true.

With Much Love,

Your Older Self

Dear Shanna,

I know you don’t like anyone telling you what to do, but make an exception because I am you. Bad things happen, and disappointment is inevitable. You can only control the way you let it affect you. Decide to be happy and don’t let negativity wear you down. You have many gifts and it’s a crime not to share them. When you sell yourself short, you are just hurting you. You are beautiful inside and out!

And when you go to Amy’s, be good. You know what I’m talking about.

Dear Past Me,
You are better than all of this. You are worth more than all of this. You need more than all of this. Embrace GRACE! Let the undeserved favor surrounded you and carry you through “all of this”. Lean into it. Dive into it. Headfirst.
P.S. You’re NOT fat.

Hey Future me!
As of now you probably have accomplished your goals, and are living life to the fullest. However, I am writing just to remind you of where we have been, what we have accomplished. I want to make sure you have not forgotten yourself, where you came from.
Anyway, If you ever find a way to send me a message back, could you give me a few clues?
See you soon (I hope)
Jael (The younger)

Past Self,

I am currently well into my twenties now, so you can rest assured that you will not die tomorrow. That being said, I don’t risk saying anything else as the spontaneity of life is what makes it work living. Also, good luck.

You.

Dear Future Me,

I hope you’re not disappointing to your younger self. You remember the good times? The Bad Times? The wanna-rip-your-hair-out times? Yeah, keep remembering them because I want to know that they meant something. Did you write something brilliant like I’ve always wanted to? Travel the world? Learn a new language(not as important)? Do you still love The Doctor, Sherlock, and Merlin? Do you remember how you came to own your copy of A Wrinkle in Time? Do you still care? Love the past, live for today, and hope for tomorrow. Be you soon.

Dear 16 year old Kat,

Do not be afraid because you really do have a brilliant future waiting for you. Things don’t look very bright right now, but I am proof that you will live happily ever after. The hard times really will make you stronger and even when you think things are too dark, remember that there is someone looking over you. I promise your pain and tears will help beautiful roses bloom and when you look back you will see it was all worth it. You are loved, Prince charming will find you just when you give up on ever finding him, and you will live your dreams.

Dear younger self:

you are is so much of a hurry to get it all done and do it all correctly. you are judging yourself so harshly and you suppose some else judges you too. Please be gentle on yourself, trust yourself, and take time to enjoy it all. Savor every aroma, taste every flavor, enjoy the beauty of every sunset and sunrise. Listen to the music of nature. You only pass through once and you never know how long you have. Enjoy it, and love the people in your life. Forgive them all and yourself.

Dear Future Self,

I’m sorry I haven’t yet learned to do what I love instead of what I think I should be doing. I’m working on it! I know you’ll be saying, “Yeah, why didn’t I learn sooner?” but really, I have to get to things in my own time. You know how I am.

On a more pleasant note, you should know that even though you went through some hard times, you went through some awesome, life-changing good ones. Please remember that, I know it’s hard to remember the awesome ones. I’m in the middle of one right now! Finding out just who you are, future self, is tough! But it’s a fun challenge.

So – how’s the weather? Have we voted a woman into office yet, or at least a noteworthy president? How’s technology? Can we make human hearts out of genetically modified tomato plants? Do I have kids? Are they amazing? Is my husband a millionaire yet? Ha! I don’t really care about that one – I’m keeping him anyway. I’m excited to be there – but I will try not to rush things. I know time flies – and future self, I’ll do my best to make sure you’ve enjoyed every second possible.

<3 Young, Bold, Naive Self

Dear Jennifer

Life isn’t going to be easy but it will be worth it. Relax. Learn to laugh at yourself. Don’t be afraid to fail, some things are worth it. Life goes on. Things get better. Don’t take your loved ones for granted. Be happy and good things will come to you.

Be a doctor.

Dear Angellinna,

Life is different for everybody. Everyone has choices and you are going to be dealt with a few hard ones. You will do what we always do. We follow our own judgment and heart and think with a clear head. We get scattered and feel as if the world is spinning so fast around us that we can’t keep up. But that isn’t so. No you happen to have two steady feet you’re attached to. One more thing doesn’t for get to breath.

Franky (age 12),
Don’t stop what you’re doing, but try and understand why you do it. The wrong’s will not become rights, but they’ll take you to places you could never imagine. Places your never wanted to be, the places you could not believe existed, and places that you will long to return. Don’t be afraid to share the truth. The people you keep close know you better than you believe. Don’t become consumed with bitterness. Give. Everyday. It’s not every day you get to give. Listen to your sister. Talk to your brothers more. Make your own friends. Trust your instincts. Wear your seat-belt. Talk to your father. Even when he won’t talk to you. Save. Maybe you might want to do something silly like buy a ring. Pay your debts. Work less. If you get drunk, get drunk on life. Refuse to do the same thing everyday. Dream more often. Want more than to be a cashier. Want not for just yourself but everyone you love. Don’t worry. You’re going to be happy.

Dear me on my 16th birthday,

You’re 16 now, which means you are old enough to drop out of high school. Do it. Right away. You are not going to learn anything your junior year of high school, except that the school administrators do not care about the safety and well being of their students.

Get your GED as soon as you can, get a job, and then use all of your spare time to read. Read every piece of printed material that passes before your eyes, including the package inserts that come with prescriptions, tracts distributed by homeless people, the user manual for the microwave, the warning labels on cleaning products, and the algebra textbook you didn’t return to the school. Doing this will make you vastly better equipped for life than most other people.

Wish you were here!

Dear teen me- all I can say is live life to the fullest with no regrets and no could’ve, should’ve, would’ve thinking. I wouldn’t change a thing except the outlook on life. You think there is all the time in the world but believe me it goes by faster than you think. Hold on tight to those you love, be daring and caring at the same time.

Dear Annie,
If you were able to transport yourself back to the 1950’s once again and relive that era it would be an experience worth having. Open yourself to the world at that time, travel, read and learn all that you can about your surroundings and appreciate all that you have. Make every single minute count, have faith in your abilities, and enjoy life.

Dear adorably awkward adolescent me,
If I could travel through the vortex of time and not just revisit my past (which is your present) but RE-LIVE it, I would. The innocence of youth is a gift I wish I could receive again. Since I can’t locate a tesseract, the following words of wisdom from your well-traveled future self will have to suffice:

Stop worying about that which you cannot control. There will be plenty of things with which to concern yourself in your adult life – fretting over things that you can’t change should not be one of them.

Be honest with yourself. When you deceive the person in the mirror, the only person you’re hurting is the one looking back at you.

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT apply for all of those credit cards. They will haunt you for years and you will bear an unneccesary burden on the greater part of your adult life thus far.

Keep your confidence. It’s an attribute that will slowly start to slip from your grasp in your early thirties while you’re going through major changes in your life.

Speaking of which, don’t let society dictate what you think you’re ready for. Marry when you feel it’s for all of the right reasons, and don’t compromise yourself. Love is only true when all of the fundamentals are there (respect, trust, friendship, chemistry) and they are MUTUAL.

Always keep your family and friends close to your heart. You have such a wonderful foundation of love in your life, and it’s not something you take for granted, at any age. Just remember how many people you love, and how many people love you back.

Visit your grandma Lillian on October 9th, 2004.

Have faith in yourself, but above all, put your ultimate faith in the Lord. You are smarter and stronger than you think you are, and your path may not always be clear, but never lose faith in your Guide.

Dear Past Self,
I, which is the future you, would ask how you, which is also me in the past, are but we know the answer to that. I’m writing to remind you that we are indeed worth it. There are people out there who will love us for us and accept us for us. Blood doesn’t define family; love defines family.
Life seems lost in the darkness of depression but keep fighting your way out because we will find light. It will take time but we will find the best band in the world (Goo Goo Dolls) and their music will help you through thick and thin. You will even get to meet them and lucky for us, we didn’t scream like a fan girl when we did!
Unfortunately, there are no flying cars and no jet packs, so use your smarts for something and start planning to build them, this way you can finally have them and you can make more and sell the rest.
In the mean time, don’t let the words of those around you get to you. It will only build up inside of you, until it explodes and you don’t deserve to suffer constantly. Keep writing. We were/have writing/written that book for us, not for anyone else. Faith takes time to build but you will have it. Never give up hope-it’s all we will.
Love,
Future Self
P.S. Don’t give tap water to the cat, use bottled water. Trust me.

Dear Future Lucy [who, at the time of this reading, is present Lucy. Which I guess makes me Past Lucy? Look, I'm not Past Lucy quite yet and I have a few things to say, so listen up, whomever you are]

First of all: Do you have a jetpack and deadpan robot sidekick? If so, congrats! You’re the awesomist.

Anywho, I’m writing to you because I’m a bit worried. I’m worried that maybe you might be getting all down on yourself because your career sucks and you don’t have a boyfriend. I’m also worried that you might be all high and mighty because your career rocks and your boyfriend is super hot.

Just…look. Those things are great. But they’re not important. The important thing is to remember to love. Love your family. Love your friends. Love telling stories and creating poetry and making people laugh. Love animals and creatures, and don’t eat them. Love so hard it hurts and your heart breaks when injustice and death and bad timing ruin things. And then pick up the pieces and love some more.

I know; easy for me to say. And why listen to me anyway, right? But hey, it’s the future; if you don’t believe me, jump in a TARDIS and ask me for yourself. As far as I’m concerned, it’s been working out well so far

–Lucy (2012)

Hi, I know this will be hard to believe but I’m writing this from the future and sending it to you. I want you to read this letter and take it all in. It will help you with the hurdles you have to jump in the years ahead. Hopefully, it will redirect your path. Making life far less stressful.
1. Quit holding a grudge where mama and dad are concerned. You’re 13 and I know it’s tough.She’s not going to let up on you. Don’t give her power any longer. He’s going to quit drinking a month after you turn 18 and later in life the two of you are close. You concentrate on your studies and not boys!
2. Never start any bad habits. Trust me, it’s not worth it to try and fit in. Stay away from any guys that don’t have your best interest at heart. Better yet….don’t date until later in life.
3. Go to college. Believe it or not that’s your best avenue. Don’t be afraid to push your boundaries. You’re smart and can succeed.
4. Invest in microsoft…..you’ll have money!
5. Wait until you are truly in love to marry. Don’t marry until you are at least 25.
6. Be kind to yourself. You love helping others so do that. Don’t ever let anyone stop you from being yourself.
7. It won’t always be easy, but it will be worth it.
8. Have children. Wait, though until you can devote time, energy and all your love into them. Make sure, before you marry, that you discuss all aspects of raising children with your future husband. Make for certain you agree on all things important.
9. Stay close to the Lord. That probably should have been number one!
10. Remember to love yourself and all those around you. See you in 30 some odd years!

to my past self,
be brave, be honest even when it hurts, be proud of who you are, be aware of those who are dishonest, and always try to be your best self.

Dear, 15 yr old me. You are gonna face a lot of tough choices some not so tough. There will be moments that you want to share yourself with certain people..but wait. Don’t rush your life you are special and you have value. Avoid going to The supermarket on your 16 birthday. And make sure you finish high school your gonna meet this cool guy and want to spend all your time with him but, focus’s on your education first. If he still wants to be with you get married because you are going to a have a very beautiful and talented daughter her name will be Seraphina.And she will grow up to to do great things in the world some day. Things might not last with your first husband but, Keep reaching for the stars and never settle in life. Be wise in your choices. Remember you are unique and you have a purpose, wait for the best to come. Sincerely 37 yr. old me.

Dear 12-Year-Old Me,

It’s been 25 years since I was you, and I have five simple pieces of advice I’d like to hand down based on the life I’ve lived since then.

1. Don’t be so scared. Everyone else is just as confused and lost as you are, even the adults. Many of them are just good at not showing it. In fact, the most dishonest people you will ever meet are those who seem completely sure of themselves.

2. The future is less frightening when it arrives than it is when you look ahead to it. Concern yourself with the things you can change now, not the choices that will come. Things will not go as you expect, but they will be okay. Accept that.

3. Start eating right and exercising regularly. Yes, I know you’re really skinny, but you won’t always be that way, and you won’t always be able to eat Devil Dogs for dinner and feel fine afterwards. Start with good habits now – it’s harder to change them later.

4. Read more books. Yes, I know school has turned you off to reading by assigning books that are tedious. However, books can take you beyond where any movie or other medium can take you. You just have to find the right ones for you.

5. All those things that you stress over because they make you different are the very things that will help you succeed later. Don’t be ashamed of them.

Dear shy and wonderful 12-Year Old Me,

You sat and opened your pencil pouch. From your backpack, you pulled your journal. As you wrote, Sam peeked. You shouted, “Stop!”

He laughed.

At her desk, your fake-tanned instructor ate. The bell rang. Everyone sat. She rose and said, “The last year’s final writing assignment, I asked everyone to create my ideal boyfriend, but this year, I have a boyfriend, so I’ll ask you to predict what each other will become.”

In journal margins, you drew. Of your friends, you created portraits. In class, instead of your journal entries, you only read aloud one poem. Instead of a writer, they’d call you an artist.

The teacher called time.

We read our predictions. Almost every time someone read my name, they followed with “Writer”.

Until high school junior year, you won’t receive writing validation. Heartbreak, pain, stress and division will devour you. You’ll wonder if everyone hates each other.

Thursday, after school, in classroom 108, through the fiction and poetry packet, you flip. Your instructor announces the meeting’s start. A famous poem about light and dark, she reads. The meeting commences.

In the packet, they reach your story. If they vote it out of the magazine, you probably won’t write again. They debate. In the packet margins, you draw. They ask, “Do we have a vote?”

Hands raise.

Love,
Your 19 Year-Old Self.

Dear T,

I know right now the world looks half empty, and it seems like you’re just a mistake that’s been written in the paragraph of life. You feel like you don’t belong. You feel anxious, nervous, and down-right depressed about your future. Inside, you’re crying out for help, but you’re so lost in a sea of, “Who am I?” to ask.

Let me tell you right now that life is going to get a lot better for you. A lot. The years following your high school graduation won’t be so glamorous, but you’ll be looking like a million bucks. You’ll develop a great sense of fashion, you’ll be snagging guys’ eyes left and right, and although you won’t get your first boyfriend until 23, you’ll be rocking life like there’s no tomorrow.

And – oh, did I mention you’ll be doing everything you ever wanted to do? That’s right, T. You’ll be singing up on stages, writing books to your heart’s content, and drawing with every bit of creative energy in your fingers. And remember that log cabin you dreamed of building when you were 13? You’ll have not only one, but two.

That is why I’m writing to you right now, T. Don’t let your spontaneity be drowned out by life’s disappointments, failures, and mistakes. Be free. Love who you are, and stop looking at other girls as if they have it all. You have it all right now, right at this very moment.

Don’t give up,

From Your Future Self

Dear Past Self,

3 Rules: Love yourself. Love others. Lighten up.

Dear Future Self,

The Secret to Life: Enjoy the ride!

Dear Claire,

I cannot believe how much time has past. I insisted you read that book and now you are learning by experience…”A Wrinkle in Time” is just that..a moment. Now that you are grown and have your own children, I can only instill on you that you insist they read that book. I love you and want you to realize that life in itself is only a “Wrinkle In Time”…Be all you can be, make the most of it. You only have a few moments…

Love, Mom

Dear Future Robert,

Do you remember when you graduated from university, you received a card from yourself four years ago? Yes, I remember breaking down and crying, too. It was a simple message but it was something you always forget about. It will be okay. You’ve made it this far, haven’t you; so you must be doing something right. Just keep doing what makes you happy, and remember to exhale and inhale.

Love,
Your past me.

Dear Future me,
I just wanted to let you know that all the hard work, all the sacrifice, and all the tears you’re going through now paid off. Your animal rescue now has a big facility, and you’re saving close to 1,000 lives a year. You also got a huge grant from the ASPCA, and Ellen shipped you a year’s supply of pet food.
So breathe, and sleep well tonight. It will all be worth it.

Dear Me of the Past,
You’re in seventh grade and you don’t understand what’s happening to you. The moodiness and the anxiety, the way everything seems dark and cloudy, the feeling that you’re all alone- it’s called depression.
And while other kids your age seem to be going through something similar, you should know that this isn’t normal. It’s been coming on for years now. And despite what they say, it’s going to stay for years to come. You’ll go through high school, barely getting by, pretending that you’re just like everyone else. Telling yourself it’s not as bad as it seems. Avoiding it. Hiding from it. But it always finds you.
You need to tell someone now. You need to ask for help. Because when you don’t, when you turn to your notebook instead, holding it in aside from the poems you scribble out when you feel like your heart is breaking, that’s when you lose. That’s when I lost. I lost years of never really experiencing life, but shying away from it. I lost friends I was too scared to trust and chances I was too afraid to make. I went off to college and lost my dreams, my goals, myself, because it had always been getting stronger and waiting to find me at my peak, only to knock me farther down than I could ever imagine.
I’m begging you. Stop cowering. Start fighting. You are not alone.
With Love for the One Who Thinks They Have None,
Cassie

Dear Past Me,

Stop obsessing about everything you do. Chances are, people still like you regardless of the way your hair looked or the clothes you wore.

Pay more attention to school. Doing better now will really affect the way things become in a few years. Also, it will definitely increase your confidence (and really, your time spent on the phone or thinking about that boy wasn’t that important anyway).

Spend more time with your family. They are important, and you’ll regret spending time with others, when you could have been with them, later on.

Wait 30 seconds before saying what you think. Chances are, doing this will keep you out of many an argument or fight. There’s no reason to be right about everything.

But, above all, remember that everything works out. You’ll be fine.

Love, the future you

Dear 13 year old me,
Your best friends will change, so be carefull who you tell your secrets to. Your mom is right for the most part, so listen to her advice. If a boy tells you he loves you, they aren’t always telling the truth. You will have your heart broken more than once. You’ll blame a new love for things an old one did. So laugh too much, love like you’ve never been hurt, and most importantly, Don’t make the same mistakes I did.
Love,
17 year old me

Dear Future Me,

If you are not living in a different country by now working and living in a strange language, you did something wrong. Dig into what I imagine is now a huge saving account, quite your job (unless it’s awesome, then we can chat), and move! If you are living in another country as stated above, good job! A big thumbs up for you and a pat on the back. Oh and remember that business you wanted to start all on your own? Add that to the list of things to do this week.

Also, you should probably already own a dog by now. If you don’t, please drive to the nearest puppy store immediately. Don’t make me disappointed in you.

If the above things have been completed:
Love, the not-so-cool you from the past

If the above things have not been completed:
Love, the much cooler you from the past. Step it up future me.

No matter how broken your life may seem,just remember changing one thing in your past could take away your most precious thing. Be satisfied with life and strive to make it better.

Dear Me:

You’re so beautiful…no matter how many people tell you, your glasses are too thick or your knees too knobby, don’t listen. You have a lot to offer the world and when you love yourself great things WILL happen. I promise! Don’t be scared to raise your voice, be open to new adventures, don’t hide in the shadows. Shine bright and it will light your way as you walk your path, it will also shine like a beacon to whomever may be walking behind you! Be incredible, be fearless but most of all, always, always, always, be you!

Love Me

Dear Past Self,

I’m writing to you now to let you know how proud I am of you. I know it’s been tough for you growing up, but let me just tell you, it gets better. I know that’s what you hear from everyone, and maybe you won’t believe me. I’ll still tell you anyways though, I hope that over time it will finally become etched in your brain just like those etch-a-sketch toys you used to play with. Maybe you could take this time to write it in your journal. “Even when things get tough, life goes on.” or something along those lines. I know for a fact that everything you write in that tattered old thing is true, because, well, I’ve been there, done that. Go ahead, I’ll wait.

Anyways, I’m not just here to tell you that everything will be peachy keen from now on, things will get harder too as you move through adolescence. Just remember the lyrics to your favorite song. “You gotta keep your head up,” and I know you’ll be fine. After all, here I am, all in one piece, waiting for you to catch up.

-Your Future Self

Enjoy today, tomorrow may be too late!

Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy the moment now!

Dear Past Self,

Always give 100% of your best effort in everything you do. Never settle for just enough.

Dear Younger Self:
You know when people tell you to stop and smell the roses? Well they are right. Notice the small moments of grace in your life, and if you do, the calamities and trials will not seem so bad.

This too shall pass.

Dear Past Self,
Lookout for the guy making the pizza. He’s going to capture your heart.

Dear Past Self,
Life is an E*ticket ride…hold on! And enjoy the process, even if you’re about to hurl.

Time has left me wrinkled

Live life as if there’s no tommorrow. Know that when tough times take over, it is just one of those valleys. Before you know it you will be atop the mountain again.

When your father tells you, “Never trust a man that says, “Trust me” DON’T”

Congratulations on turning your health around! I knew you had it in you = ) We all get off course, but the power to heal and change your body and spirit was with you all along. All you needed to do was remember that and harness that spirit and knowledge. Please keep that with you, always. It will serve you for the rest of your long, happy, healthy life.

Dear Past Self – have more respect for your parents when you are younger -

No matter what, it is and will be ok. Keep true to yourself, and you can achieve anything. In life the only person you can save is yourself but you can put yourself out there and good people will come to you. What you put out is what you will receive. Smile, Laugh, and Be Happy!!

Don’t be afraid to travel solo.

Be open to every experience and don’t be afraid to share yourself.

Always make time for those who matter most they are the ones who will be there when you need them most!

Don’t make the same mistakes twice!

Enjoy every day because you never know what tommorrow might bring…

Enjoy life, family and friends time goes by too fast!!!

He is trouble , and he is going to cause you grief . But he is worth it !

Hey. You there? Good. I just wanted to tell you whatever happens always be there for your friends and don’t explode on them. If something happens then talk to them about it. They might just be sorry for what happened. If you do explode and you don’t talk to them then it will be the biggest mistake that you will ever make.

Hey bro. listen. I have no advice to you, youre awesome. remember that.

Younger me… listening? Sunscreen and no smokes. Your friends will always be there, love them and appreciate them, they are all that matters.

Dear Past, Don’t wait till you have an argument with someone to say that you love them and your sorry, because you never know when you won’t ever have this chance again. life is shorter than you think. R.I.P. little bro.

Things are not as bad as it seems. Childhood will suck but it will make you a strong, confident amazing woman! Life will turn out great – do not listen to those adults that put you down. They are the losers not you! Do not get the knee surgery, it will make things worse. Use sunscreen! Do not waste money on brand new cars, save your money! Life is never as bad as it seems. Life really does fly by so enjoy every second of it!

Give fully from your heart. You can never give enough.
Open your heart to all the love around you. You can never get enough.
Life is an education. You can never learn enough.
Cherish every moment of your time here. There will never be enough.

Dear, Darrin of 2009
So you are about to finish up your first year of high school, I am proud of how much you have improved since the first quarter. But let me give you a little bit of advice,Please don’t give up on yourself or on your future, this high school experience will get much harder, and will continue at such a fast pace. Be ready for it and commit to doing your best and that will be enough. This will keep you in good standing and make senior year a little bit easier on you because you will have better grades and a better work ethic.
Hoping for the Best,
Darrin B, Jr. 2012

Dear younger Heather

You can do what ever you dream of. Just have the courage and believe you can do it and it will happen. Do not spend a second worrying about what people will think.

Dear younger self,
I should hope that this reaches you in one piece, if not, then… well, I dunno. Also note, this is not some idiot deigning to play a trick on you. This should hit you in about fifth grade, right after that one piece that I, or we, or you, however you want to call us, I…. You know- I mean- … let’s just skip this shall… we?

Well. That was a bad start. So, it’s after that little writing piece we/I/you/ did. Should be anyway. That little piece that we/I/you did is going to define us/me/you. …Know what? …I’ll just refer to us as us or we from now on.

So, continue writing. In a year you will create a character to play along with a friend. Never ever forget or regret that you made her. She is wonderful, in a way. She defines us.

Do Not fear our capacity for failure. Do not fear it to the point that you are too afraid to fix it, and bring it about because of that fear.

Do what must be done, even if pacing is more fun. It will save us a lot of pain and agony.

Remember that most of our mistakes are our own blame. In bitter moments, do not strike out at those around you.

Friends are coming, they are coming and welcome them.

Stop fearing the unknown, and try jumping off cliffs once in a while.

..I can practically see you rolling your eyes at my very very vague advice. I should hope it helps.

- Meg

When life got you down, you prevailed. I hope you got everything out of life that was there to take. I am so proud of you!

Dear Freshman Grace,
Be smart. Don’t let moving stop you from being you. Everything you are doing this year will affect you for the rest of your high school career. Please, I beg you please try to join clubs. Go to UpRising and meet new people. Other than that, keep doing exactly what you are doing. If you didn’t do some of the stupid things you are going to do, you will not be the same person who gets into Baylor, makes the amazing friends you have, and learns all of the lessons you have. Oh, and maybe you should for give Dad…

Love,
Senior Grace

Hey, get off that computer and go for a walk or something!

The only advice I have for the future is to never forget where and what you came from. Remember every mistake you’ve made and learned from. Don’t live in the past but don’t forget it either. Just remember yourself, your values, your beliefs and don’t change for anyone or anything. Stay true to yourself.

I WOULD LIKE TO WIN THE LOTTERIE SO I COULD HELP THE HOME LESS SO IT WOULD MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE AND ALSO MY FAMILY

Stop hurting yourself; people care about you more than you think. Everything is going to get better, and DON’T stop making art. It is going to take you places.

Relax! Stay in the now and stop worrying about things you can’t change.

Dear Paula,

This is from your 43 year old self. Yup, you made it this far and in one piece! I have some advice for you. When you turn 17 a cute boy will ask you to marry him and that he will join the military and you’ll both get the heck out of Missouri. Yes, it is a good idea but the wrong way to do it! He is a nice enough boy but you really need to go to college right after school rather than getting married as soon as you turn 18. Believe me, it is harder going to school as an adult. Your best bet is being a kid and staying young for as long as you can and staying in school.

Good luck.

Sometimes you have to take a chance to pursue your dreams. You only go around once in life, so now’s the time to go for it!

Dear Past Self,
How old are you? Fourth grade, I hope, as it was my intention to contact you at that age. If not, please bear with me (and yourself, in a way). Are things rough? Don’t lie, I know they can be. Even if I got the time wrong, life is never perfect. Ups, Downs, Rights, Lefts, Loop-de-Loops, life is never consistent. The downside? Happy times aren’t forever. The upside? Neither are sad times. Whether it feels like you could fly or if you could sink to the bottom of the ocean (you couldn’t do either, by the way. The air/water pressure would kill you), take a deep breath. One thing I’ve learned in my relatively short life thus far, is that joy and happiness are internal. If you think you need something to be happy, you will; but if you breath and think, “Why shouldn’t I be happy?” then maybe you can be. You can’t be happy all the time, and don’t try to be. Jut know this: Everytime the sun sets, it leaves with the promise that it will rise again. Yes, that was yours truly. Feel free to acredit that to yourself! Anyhow, I’ve rambled on long enough, even though I know I should probably be short and sweet. Note to self: Start working on that NOW so we don’t have that problem!
Sincerly,
Your Fourteen Year Old Self

Hey, Old Me,
I have a very short and simple message for you. Talk less and listen more. As much as you’d like to believe that you know a lot (or everything) you truly don’t. Take the time to hear people out; you’ll learn a lot more than you think.
Hey, Future Me,
I don’t know much about you yet, but I can tell that it wouldn’t hurt you to calm down. You’re taking things too seriously and demand so much perfection out of yourself. Take things easy sometimes.

Sincerely, The Me of Today

Don’t be afraid! You can do it. but not if you don’t try!

Hey me Remember: Be happy!

Life is difficult enough without holding a grudge, learn to forgive and learn to be gentler and kinder it is a virtue and i know you can be this person

Spend time with those you love. As you get older, you will not regret it.

Don’t study so hard…and don’t sweat the small stuff!!

Don’t eat the dinner mom cooks on January 10, 2012. Trust me you will regret it if you do…

Make sure when you meet Tammy for the first time under that tree in that
freak thunderstorm you are wearing a light colored pair of boxers!Trust me you’ll be glad….

Get Smart!

dear me dont do things just because there the trendin thing to do be yourself go out there and start something that everyone would be like david started that. Something that will make your name remembered for a good reason.I dont know let your friends know that your care about them live dah day to the fulliest.

relax.

dude everything works out fine but you can do more with your life start a bussiness

Dear Future Me,
Do your best to remember. Remember the day your grandmother turned 90 years old. Remember the love and support your mother gave you on a daily basis. Remember your first car and how much you loved it. If you have kids by this point, remember how much you wanted them. If you don’t, get to it. Remember the note your best friend gave you the day you met her. Remember that everything in your life, the good and the bad, have contributed to the person you are today. Keep growing and changing but never forget how you became who you are.

Spend more time with those you love…time is fleeting…

Please do NOT leave your house on January 6th 2011. Stay at home that day. You you be involved in a terrible car accident if you go out that day.

Relax!

To my Future Self:

Dear Doris,

I told you this too shall pass! The 3 boys would not stay children forever. So, although the time of cooking, cleaning, mending hurts,dealing with noises,picking up toys, wiping noses, helping with homework, barely sleeping through the night, getting dirty stains on you and not having time to socialize or time for yourself, has not been easy, you have made it through and I sure hope that you tried to enjoy it along the way. You have raised wonderful children who will remember the love, hard work and time you have invested in them. Now that they are grown and gone, do not look back on what you should have done better and do not dwell in regrets. Say to yourself that you have done the best you could with what you had and enjoy this stage of your life. Enjoy the wonderful husband that has been with you through thick and thin and live your life knowing that you are so blessed!

Dear future me iknow your porbably gunna look back at thiss and say ‘wahh thaa h” ahaa so at my age. Age 14 iwanaa be a college softball player ihavent choose weather to be a cosmatologest or a Regesturdd Nurse ihave hadd a few bumpps in the road but ive pushed through it and ive changed some what im not perfiect ima avrige teenager ijust sometimes wish iwas heard .. ps icouldnt finic=sh my teacher saidd ” class is over’

Dear Future, I write this to you, when your older you maybe a more mature person now than you where before, I appreciate how you went through life being a courageous person. Please continue to be a leader and not a follower, here’s a little saying a man who stands on his on two feet is a full grown man, a man who fails in life is a man who fails to stand high and not have pride , be respectful stand tall for your all

Dear Jessica of the Past,

This is Jessica of the Future with some great advice. Pay attention to your intuition and go with your gut. It’s gonna be right most of the time and if it isn’t, you will have still followed what you felt was right!

And keep the combat boots, you will want to wear them again.

-Jessica of the Future

Cut the red wire! THE RED ONE!!!

Take more chances live life to the fullest Dont worry about what other folks say and the future will take care of its self

Dear Future self,
Never be afraid of making mistakes, mistakes have made you who you are today.

Stop being so self-absorbed. When you feel bad do something nice for someone.

Trust your heart, never settle for anything less than you deserve, and you deserve better than you think.

Do the best you can do with each day you have been given. Finish each project that you start.

That little thing called breast cancer was just a blip on the radar. You did fantastic and look at you now. Life is fantastic!!

Please get a bachelors degree right after high school, seriously!

Dear Past Me,
A little bit of advice:
– Don’t get that tattoo!
– Don’t take a job just because it has a good paycheck, make sure you love it! (don’t take the bank job!!!)
– invest in Apple!!
love,
Future Sarah

See? All those sleepless nights and endless worrying paid off. Your kids turned out just fine.
XOXO

Don’t marry him!

Remember the past,live for the moment and plan for the future.

I was a teddy bear in the past!

Dear Past Me,

Invent the Internet.

Love,
Retired Me

Dear Part Me:
Don’t marry that first husband!

Dear Past Self. Kudos to you for raising 6 active kids into 6 productive and fun loving adults! You mostly did it on your own and you should be proud and happy with the accomplishment! Now good luck with the 10 grandkids! Enjoy!

Dear Past Me

Hey quit quitting so easily. Stick with whatever you are doing and get it done.

Dear Past Me,

Do everything in life to be happy and enjoy yourself. Spend less time worrying about work and money and more time enjoying the little things. Spend more time with your kids and a lot more with your parents. Make more memories! Be happy!

To Past life Me Jen

Read carefully.
The one thing you need to know Jen(me)is, don’t worry so much. Everything in your life works it’s self out. Keep on trying in all you do. You’re who you are and trying new things, learning new skills is always going to be a part of who you are. Your kids are doing great so never think you’re a bad mom. Tamara’s 13 she reminds you(me) of myself all the time. She is a great teenage with a big heart who, like all teens, just wants to fit in somewhere. Tyler’s 10, the apple of your eye, still momma’s boy. He’s smart and very kind. Keep on him about tidying up after himself he can be a little lazy haha. Rafeek and you are still together and happier then ever. You have another little one in your Life. He will be two Jan 27th. You will go through ups and downs but just know that you will be ok.
Have a great day
Jen ( YOU)

Dear Past, When you had a chance to get our of a bad relationship that was abuseive you shouldn’t of kept having kids, not that he is not alive you are left to raise them and they are ungrateful, next time think about it more

Don’t get uppidity. You worked hard to become debt-free. Now use your wealth to help others. You have Enough.

Dear Future Me,

So have you reached your goals? Have you lost the weight you wanted? Are you happy? If not put yourself together and move forward towards those dreams, it’s never to late.

Dear future me

Oh the places you will see and the things you will have done! You have some wonderful adventures in your life, wish I could come back and live them over again

Dear Future Me,
I know it’s been tough at times but that has made you such a strong person. You have to admit we’ve had some really good times despite any hardships along the way. You are surrounded by the most awesome friends a person could have and things are finally going the way we planned. Take care Future Me and never stop smiling! Jo

Hi
It’s me — you, but in 2012. Things are going very well now. There were very tough years, extremely so. But, I made here to 2012. You have a lot of talent – work on that if you can. And believe in yourself. Just don’t settle because you think that’s all there is. Just believe you are going somewhere.

Dear Past Me,
Greetings from the age of Big Brother! My time machine broke next week. Can I borrow yours? By the way, there will be a writer named H.G. Wells and another called Kurt Vonnegut. If you can find either, please extend my words of praise. (I would have done so myself, but remember the whole time machine issue of next week.) Their works regarding the nature of time fascinate me. On a side note, play nice with that da Vinci boy. He knows more than we may ever know.
Keep being awesome (keep having been awesome, keep continuing to be awesome),
Leah

Dear Past Me…

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Don’t worry about tomorrow and enjoy today. Your tomorrow will happen and your future is a sometimes turbulent one, but it is also a happy and fulfilling one. btw, don’t listen to the doctors…you’ll have 4 beautiful, healthy, intelligent babies!

Love always,
Future Me

Hi Future Bea,
I am really glad to write you here to see ahead around 2040. you must become 60 years old having husband who is also growing old with you and well grown daughter and son doing their business and work sincerely somewhere else either in Korea or other countries.

I know you have been through all pains and gains till you reach now.
I really thank you for being urnest in building your life well and sound and hope you will have more luck and joy for the rest of life.

Bravo your life!

One day through time, I know that I will see this and smile to myself. For life is a funny experience and time is much funnier. For what the past had made me I respect it, for the present I am working on it; so the future can patiently wait for it. For people may change, even the world might change but whatever happens, time cannot change my morals or hope. For I know that every human is immortal and his soul lives on even when time etches the body. I conclude by conveying you the message that i shall work for what you shall be in the future. Just remember where you came from and respect it. For hope is everything!
~The present me.

Frank, this is Walter and I think you and I had a great life but if we could there is one thing I would change and that would be that I would want to become a Christian before I was eight (you do remember what happened when we were eight, right?)so that we would not make that mistake and it would take care of some of our negatives during our younger and teenage years.

Thanks for being there with me,
Walter

So much to say, maybe in time to catch it all from happening.
One day in the future, your going to meet someone, whatever you do, stay home, don’t travel to another country looking for the greener grass, its no better there, in fact you will find it much worse. Make sure that you sit out on the back porch of your house, watch the stars, see that dog there? Never let him go…the price you pay will be a terrible price….it doesn’t seem like it now but listen, if its too good to be true,it is, for you and for everyone else. But take this warning, keep the house, stay and look at the stars, don’t cross the ocean, bloom where your planted. Turn away from a dream, the dream turns to a nightmare and you will come back sooner than you think with a broken heart and betrayal in your eyes. Trust me..listen to me. Stay, be content with all you have now, take better care of the grass where you are and the green will shine through. Real love will someday be yours in the United States not thousands of miles away from home with strangers in a strange land. Put your hand on the soft head of your best friend and say goodbye to the biggest nightmare of your life. Oh you won’t see it now, but you will. I hope to see you sitting on that back porch in the moonlight ten years from now instead of alone in a small apartment with a broken heart. Heed the warning. Be happy.

Dear Heather,
You may not realize the importance of your choices right now. Remember that as you face each day of the new chapter of your life that you are doing the right thing. Your boys will grow into strong and decent men. Making thier father leave and have supervision when seeing them is not easy, but in the long run it will be worth the effort. The challanges you are facing today will bring the rewards you gather tomorrow. You are pretty and kind and do not deserve the abuse that you were taking. You must carry on and continue to do the right things.
Love yourself,
Heather

Keep your faith in the Lord Jesus and he will guide your path.

Although you are nervous about finishing grad school and finding a good job I am sure you will do well at your endeavour. A little nervousness is normal and it is very exciting to get a Master’s Degree! Good luck! S

Past me,
There are many things you should keep doing: keep learning, keep reading, and keep wearing that retainer. What you can stop worrying about is grades because in the long run, they will not count. What will count is building upon your experiences and caring. You need to care. Distancing yourself from negative emotions is not working. The opposite of feeling bad is not feeling happy, it’s feeling nothing. So don’t be afraid to make the mistakes that you are guaranteed to make because it’s all in the pursuit of finding who you are and where you belong.
By the way, if you’re curious, your first heartbreak came from a man named John G….

So Self time flies with a Tesseract! Or should I think as it is and it was and it will be ..depending on the choices made at the moment. I think of my favorite quote “the journey is the destination”. ‘

Funny that a WRINKLE IN TIME is celebrating 50 years..ME too (and I got some different wrinkles). I am so glad that all those years ago I learned to read. So many adventures have opened up among the pages of a book – I still think of Charles Wallace, Meg, Calvin often in life. Time travel. My own journey forever linked to the Tesseract. From reading to writing in my own journals – I am so happy that Madeleine L’Engle created such wonderful stories. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I will grasp life with a fierce passion that embodies the realism and love I have for the living. I will volunteer at the library, visit the lonely and the infirm. It’s time to plant a garden and to have a life in a lovely seat. If you are to go with me, meet here when the daffodils bloom.

Dear Future Me,

How are things going for you right now?
It is 2012 where I’m at, at things are going pretty well.
Do you still play the baritone?
I hope so. It would be sad if you have quit by now.
Are you going to Michigan State? I hope I will!
I have a bunch of great friends, and school is really good right now.
If I have caused you any serious injuries, I deeply apologize, but it was your fault too!

Hoping you have a nice son who listens and loves you, and that his name is Eric.

See you soon. Oh, wait, I already have!

Yourself truly,

Donovan Dunham

Dear Future Me
I’m sure by now I’ve completely messed things up for you and my current plan for life, you know the one, has failed us both. Now you must be saying this is depressing I was happy until I got this letter, but don’t despair because I have a new plan.I’m going to live it up and you will use our super brain power stuff to invent a time machine to come back and fix me, or you maybe just to chill.
P.S. I have shaken my hind making this letter a socially binding contract.

Dear Future Me:

Sorry about the bad back, the glitchy knee, and the high cholesterol. But you know what? It was totally worth it.

Hope you are continuing to live it up!

Geri

If someone had asked me last year what I wished I could tell my past self I would have said that wanted to tell her not to be so strange and awkward and to just fit in, but in the past year I’ve realized that there are so many things in life that matter so much more than what other people think of me. I know you’ve heard it before and I know it’s so much easier said than done, but the best advice I can give you is to be yourself. You are a wonderful person with so much potential, and I’m not just saying that because you’re me, you truly have so much to offer, just think of all the things you’re depriving the world of by copying someone else instead of being something new and unique! If you just follow the crowd how are you ever going to get your chance to shine?

Planning is incredibly important, and you won’t get anywhere without it. That said, where you get may not be anything like where you expected you’d be. (and that’s ok)