If I was to write a letter to my younger self, I am not sure where I would start. There have been so many momentous experiences in my life that I could talk about. How do you choose where to begin? To be honest, when I started this blog entry, I had every intention on writing to my younger self to acknowledge obstacles overcome, love learned from, and memories made over the years. However, now that I am documenting this, I find that it might actually be more useful to write to my older self considering that my younger self will never actually get the chance to read this.

While I realize that each of us reading this, and every other human to exist, leads an independent life so uniquely different from any other person. I also have come to the realization that connection through shared experience is one of the most powerful tools. Connection leads to empathy; empathy leads to compassion; compassion leads to grace; grace leads to peace; and peace leads to unity. Unity is a ground-shaking word because there is power in unified people. I hope my letter to my older self is able to connect and resonate with some of you (readers), and it is my hope that maybe you would be willing to write your older self too.

Dear Older Me,

I am currently writing from the year 2020. I can’t even pretend that you have been able to forget this momentous year, and I am not about to document all of those moments in this entry. However, in case you need some perspective brought back to your attention, keep reading.

First, in case you need to hear it, remember that you are relentless. Nurture that quality by feeding yourself with optimism. Find the joy wherever you are, because it is always there.

Next, embrace that whatever stage you’re at right now is the most important stage of your life thus far. You have a tendency of looking too far ahead. Stop. When you get to tomorrow, that can be the most important day of your life, but right now, today is.

Find ways to serve; it has always brought great joy to your heart, and grounded you from your selfish tendencies. Serve your church, your community, your world; serve it all.

Be a daylily. Grow roots where you’re planted, but know if you are moved, new roots will grow there too. Daylilies are resilient. They can flourish in seasons of drought or floods. They can be uprooted, and replanted over and over again and they will still grow tall. Be a daylily.

Find courage. You have never wanted a stagnant life. Have the courage to pursue adventure.

Remember money is cool but it is not everything. If you are 20 years old and can realize that money cannot make you happy, then at whatever age you are reading this, you should know that too. With that being said, work earnestly. I hope that you are able to find a job that you love, but in the steps to get there work your butt off. Nothing great is going to fall in your lap.

Acknowledge those that have treated you with kindness. Write thank you or appreciation notes. Tell them you’re grateful for them. Do whatever you have to do, but acknowledge them and how they make your life richer. For those that have not treated you with kindness, forgive them. It does you no good to hold onto anger, disappointment, or frustration. As mom says, “Holding onto that is just going to make you lose sleep. . . or give you an ulcer and both lead to nowhere fun.”

Check in with the family. If Grady is still in Colorado, FaceTime him. I know you guys will always be close, but seriously call him. (Call the rest of your siblings too, but you are usually better at keeping up with them).

If this has caught you in a pit, first, acknowledge the pit. You cannot get out if you don’t acknowledge you’re in. Second, remember you have had your series of life’s untimely pits, and you have worked out of them before. You will do it again. Call mom and dad if you need to. They’re usually pretty good at tossing down some rope to help reel you up when you need it.

If this catches you on a mountain of life, acknowledge the mountain. Take a minute to look at how high you climbed. Pat yourself on the back and have a little self-love moment. Take in the view. Maybe take a picture or write about it, but then find a taller mountain. Push yourself to be better even when everything seems to be going right.

Last, love fiercely. Love strangers. Love your job. Love your family. Love books, movies, shows, and podcasts. Love your friends. Love where you’re at right now. Love time spent with those you care about. Love yourself. Love your life. Wherever and whenever given the opportunity, choose love. God made your heart big enough for all of it.

You’re doing great. Remember who you are. More importantly, remember Whose you are. God has never failed to provide. Lean on Him.

-Your younger self