Ah, if only we had a glance into our future, right? Or, not exactly a glance, but, more like, knowing the consequences of our choices and actions… oh, how nice that would be… Though, really, that wouldn’t be as “fun”… if you knew with certainty that something you really want would end up yours, would you even try that hard to get it? Or, if you could avoid a mistake or situation, would you ever learn the lessons, meet the people you met along the way, experience everything you have? Undoubtedly, our lives would be much different, and we sure wouldn’t be the people we are… life just wouldn’t be what it is, really, it would be… boring, linear, predictable… Painless, maybe, but still, dull.

I’ve become convinced along the way that it is mostly our experiences and circumstances that shaped us into what we are today - there are some genetics involved in that as well, but it’s mostly what we’ve been through, the good and the bad, that made us who we are… And while we can’t change the past, and fretting over it or living with regret can greatly impact our future, I wanted to share these notes as a guide for myself, and anyone that might need them now, or later. I hope you find them helpful.

• Stay true to yourself. It might not get you places as fast as you’d want it, but if your past is any indicator, you will achieve your dreams. After all, some of your old dreams are your reality now.

• Some lessons are worth the pain. Simple as that.

• Stop sweating over things that are out of your control. Do your homework, prepare as much as you can, and just let it be!

• Prioritizing your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself.

• Remove yourself from toxic situations and people; your mental health and wellbeing are more important.

• Keep up meditating. Remember how it makes you feel.

• Make a point to celebrate big and small things in your life - it will make it more fun.

• As cliche as it sounds, you are the master of your own life. While what you’ve been through has greatly shaped you into who you are today, YOU have control over your actions and thoughts, and that makes you powerful. Don’t give that power to anyone else.

• Never, ever stop learning.

• Don’t ever let your curious inner child disappear. Be silly, let others think it’s ridiculous that you “befriend” a chipmunk, or even a lizard, and/or every cat you encounter, that you take time to look and observe the clouds, and whatever other silly things you do that are “beneath” a busy adult…You know how these things make you feel, you know they bring you joy, so keep doing them… people will judge either way - you can’t ever control that, so you might as well do what makes you happy. Simple as that.

What would you tell your future self?

Until next time.

xoxo,

Em