Dear future self,
I hope you have everything you've ever wanted and more. I hope you're the best version of yourself. But most of all, I hope you're happy. When you reflect on your past, don't be embarrassed. Don't be ashamed and never ever let your past define who you are today. We've all made mistakes. We've all said and done stupid things. But that stuff doesn't matter anymore. When you look in the mirror, I hope you still feel young and beautiful. I hope you remember everything you've been through that brought you to where you are now. I hope you remember the good. I hope you remember the bad. I hope you're still a firm believer in "everything happens for a reason." But most of all, I hope you're happy.
When you turn 30, 40 and 50, I hope you remember your parents are aging too so take care of them. When you get married, I hope you finally realize why none of your other relationships ever worked out. When you shop for your wedding dress, I hope you find the most gorgeous gown and cry like a baby when you put it on. When you get pregnant for the first time, I hope you don't feel fat but that you cherish every moment and every little kick. But most of all, I hope you're happy. When you buy your first house, I hope you live there forever. When you start your career, I hope you love it more than you thought you would. When you look at old pictures, I hope you smile and remember all the great memories. When you lose someone important in your life, I hope you stay strong like I know you are. When you smile, I hope it's a genuine smile. When you laugh, I hope it's loud.
But most of all, I hope you're happy. When you come home after a long day, I hope you take time for yourself to relax. When you have the money, I hope you travel. When you go to a concert, I hope you know every word to every song. When you meet new people, I hope they become a friend. When you have a great opportunity, I hope you jump on it. But most of all, I hope you're happy. When you're sad or lonely, I hope you snap out of it before it's too late. When your back hurts after a hard day, I hope you treat yourself to a massage. When you get a pet, I hope it's a playful puppy who loves to sit on your lap and snuggle. When you're tight on money, I hope you make it work. When you find yourself crying, I hope you count your blessings. When you do your makeup every day, I hope you see you don't need it. But most of all, I hope you're happy. When your kids are all grown up, I hope you're proud of them and proud of yourself. When you're going through the motions of life, I hope you take it day by day. But most of all, I hope you're happy. I really just hope you're happy.
Love,
Your 2016 self.
