Reverb10 - Letter from my future self

Okay, so this prompt was difficult. Because of that, I'm just going to type what comes to mind. Maybe that's the best way to do it anyhow...some of my best work happens that way.

December 21 – Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)

So let's start with the letter from my future self:

Hey Ashley,

What are you doing? I know you're only 26 and hardly have it figured out, so let me help you here a bit. First thing is first, I know you're well on your way, but the faster you get this whole "living the life you want to lead" thing figured out the better.

You really need to start being more honest with the people in your life. I'm not really sure what you're afraid of, but pussy footing around like this is only going to make you more miserable in the end. Sure, being honest and upfront has it's risks, but at least you can walk away knowing you did what was right for you.

If you don't look out for you no one else will!

You do this so well when it comes to your career right now, start getting it together in your personal life. You'll be thankful you did that sooner rather than later.

Just remember, no one can read your mind, not even your husband (er, I guess it's still fiance huh). You can tell it how it is without being a dick. Just do it. Even if you need to come to a compromise about something then at least by putting the honest truth out there you're making the first step toward that compromise.

Food for thought.

Keep working on those friendships that you've been strengthening...they're going to be critical over the next few years. Hold them tight.

Do everything you can to continue living your life with passion. You're starting to fall out of that, and it'll come to bite you if you're not careful.

Yoga will become a huge part of your life again, be sure to get out there and practice. Take different classes, at different studios, before settling on a place to practice. Get yourself back into that community.

Okay, enough demanding. Take these suggestions for what you will. You've learned a lot about yourself, now is the time to start applying these lessons and making a difference in your own life. You owe it to yourself.

Cheers!

-A (from the future)

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And now....a letter to myself as a 16-year-old.

Ashley -

I know you're really into being a punk kid right now, going to concerts, trying to get the hot boys to notice you, but trust me, it's not worth all the effort you're putting in.

Don't compromise who you are for someone else - otherwise you're going to have a very long road of self-exploration ahead of you that could have been avoided if you'd just stood up for yourself in your teens/early 20s.

Remember to listen to the lessons your parents have to show you. Sometimes they are subtle, but you're observant, so be sure to pay attention when you sense they might be trying to show you something. They're smart...they know.

If there's one thing I can tell you, make sure that when you get up every day, you've got something to live for, something you're truly passionate about. Even if it's your friends, your family, your career, a hobby, school, whatever it is. Make sure you live each day with passion. Make it a day to be proud of.

And never, ever quit writing. You're going to appreciate that skill one day.

Cheers!

-A