When I composed the letter back then I predicted I'd be surprised to receive it five years later; I was correct. It was interesting, and challenging, to read the words I wrote back then. The letter:
Dear FutureMe,Good stuff!
Today you're 55 years old. Happy Birthday!
This e-mail was sent in July 2008--one day after the halfway point between your 49th and your 50th birthday. It was an exciting time; you gave yourself a challenge starting in January 2008 to do one new thing every day for a year.
At 50, when the project came to an official end, you challenged yourself to continue to think creatively and to consciously do new things.
Now, 5 years AFTER that milestone, how are you doing? Do you like the direction your life has taken? If not, it's time make some changes. Find a new hobby, or pick up an old one that you haven't done in a while. Talk with new people, do new things. Don't be afraid to look foolish.
The email offered me the chance to write another letter to my future self, which I've done. I'm sure I'll be surprised again when I receive it.
What would YOU say to a future You?
Five years ago today: New Thing #366--Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow
It's not over yet, keep on going.
ReplyDeleteJust like The Little Engine That Could :-)
DeleteWow! Congratulations! I would find it hard to find a new thing to do every day. I love the idea of writing a letter to yourself. Hmmm... Perhaps I'll take your idea and try it myself. That would be something new, too.
ReplyDeleteYou should TOTALLY write a letter to yourself!
DeleteHappy Birthday Kathy and good for you!
ReplyDeleteTHANKS!
DeleteLove the idea of doing this! I think I will do one of these!
ReplyDeleteGlad to provide you with the inspiration :-)
DeleteDon't be afraid to look foolish. That is very good advice.
ReplyDeleteThanks. When I read it the other day I thought so, too.
DeleteI've heard of other people doing this - writing their future selves notes. I really don't know what I'd say.
ReplyDeleteYou could tell yourself what was going on in your life and what you were thinking today. You might be surprised the things you thought were important (which turned out to be not such a big deal.)
DeleteGlad to see you here...hope that means you got your computer issues fixed.