Monday, March 3, 2008

Letter to Me

This morning taking Jared to school, I heard a song where the singer is writing himself a letter looking back on his life and I thought, huh, wouldn't that be interesting to get a letter to yourself written in the future. So, here goes my letter to my younger self...

Dear Self,
No, you're not crazy but let me tell you some things that you have learned now that you're almost 34. Your parents are not stupid, they're actually pretty interesting people that you need to listen to. Your brother is also not an idiot although sometimes you think so. He is a secret keeper of sorts for you in your later teenage years and he's okay. Your friends in high school won't necessarily be your friends now (except Crystal and we've been together since elementary school-you'll end up being her conscience a few times and she'll make you laugh at the craziest things). Your first REAL love is not married to you, no matter how much you pray. That young man you thought was pretty darn nifty when you were 13 IS married to you and he IS an answer to a prayer. You will make mistakes, I'm not telling you which ones because if I tell you about them, you won't make them and they actually make you a better person. Study harder in school, you'll need it eventually. Work harder even though deep down, you and I both know that you're inherently lazy. You have two beautiful kids, take more pictures of both of them. Your life won't be tulips but it's a good one. You're married to a wonderful man, your parents are doing well after some scares, you have lovely children who are bright and healthy. Don't give in to your temper where certain people are concerned, it all works out for the best in the end. Take more interesting college classes and study harder. That Russian language class that you thought you were too busy for-you're not, go ahead and audit. Don't be so wrapped up in yourself, think more of others. Save more money! Some of that stuff you buy doesn't last a year so really think before you spend. Go with your gut on some things. You'll know what I'm talking about, it will save you alot of pain and heartache. Keep better contact with your friends from college, you'll wonder where they are and what they're doing. Try to talk your parents into letting you live by yourself a little longer, you'll appreciate having people around. All in all, you're not a bad person and you have a good life, live it and we'll see each other at 34.


What would you write as a letter to yourself? Y'all have a great week!

7 comments:

Connie said...

Love this! Ha, maybe I'll just cut and paste b/c I could use some of the same advice. I would listen a whole lot more and talk less!

Anonymous said...

You are too smart! PS I forgot the dang book! I know I know....slacker! Ill remember tomorrow or could possibly run it by this evening if you'd like!

scchesleys said...

You aren't a slacker! You're the busy mommy of two toddlers (who are cute as buttons BTW). No biggie, whenever. You know how I read and my boss is out of town this week.

Anonymous said...

Love this post, Kristi. You are pretty darn smart. and I think I would probably do the same thing as Connie, listen a whole lot more and talk less...OK~ maybe I would listen alot more and still talk alot...ha ha ha ha
you know me:-)

Crystal said...

Heavenly Father knew that I was too hard headed to listen to my own so he gave me you. I will alway be thankful for that. Now for my letter I would probably try and warn against Winnsboro guys and try and warn myself to cut my losses when they are quite obvious that he is certainly a LOSS. I can not say that I would stop talking or how could I get you to laugh at the craziest things. Thank you for always being there!

scchesleys said...

Hey You! I think HF gave us each other to balance the other. Our husbands just shake their heads in amazement at our silliness!

Anonymous said...

What I'd tell my younger self is to take more time to savor the moments with my children. I had the cutest, most adorable children (really!) imaginable, and although I loved them and showed it, I was often so busy cooking, cleaning, working, folding clothes, washing dishes, and so forth that I forgot to notice and truly appreciate their sweet young voices, their tiny feet, their toothless smiles, and their individual laughs.