Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Flash Forward

Once in awhile, my google reader suggests a blog that it thinks I might like. 
Today, I came across Ashley, of  notthelifeiordered.
She writes:
"20-Something Writers put out a writing prompt that I simply couldn’t refuse. 
Write a letter to your future self, 15 years from now. Its so easy to give advice in hindsight, 
how fascinating would it be to write towards the future, 
towards the unknown?"

Her words inspired me to think about what I was doing when I was her age (27) and I decided to do the same thing, only exactly the opposite... 
because yes, it IS easy to give advice in hindsight, but would I have listened?

Dear 27 year old Me,
The first thing you should know, is that everything WILL be ok. 
You're in debt. You've been moving from one sublet to another. 
But relax, in 2 years you'll make the brilliant decision to take a job that you aren't sold on. 
You don't know this yet, but that job will put you on the map. Back in the black.
Stay focused.
Don't be afraid of color. Don't be afraid to break the rules. 
You'll thank me.
Don't waste time learning to read Tarot Cards... 
live your life in the present.
Get out of those filthy sweatpants and go outside. 
Someday, this neighborhood will look completely different.
Talk to your neighbors. Get to know them. 
Not just the ones with cats & bunnies, ok?
Memorize every beautiful crack & crevice. You'll really miss being here.
When someone offers to help, just say yes.
Learn how to cook. I think you'd be great at it.
Stop hoarding those vacation days, and go to Greece for a whole month in the summer.
Give peanut butter another chance.
Everything happens for a reason. You'll know why soon.
You're beautiful. If you don't believe it, pretend like you do.
When a sweet boy from home asks you for your phone number, don't give him your business card.


12 comments:

Magpie said...

Sweet.

Dahlila said...

I love this. What a beautiful letter. I'm inspired to do the same--to the past me, but also to the future.

Thank you, dahlila

http://twitter.com/dahlila

Formerly known as Frau said...

I love it great letter! Mine would say something like you think you are fat now just wait! Hee hee!

Debra said...

Wow! That unleashes a lot- what a wonderful exercise and I like your slant on it! Brilliant! 'I'm gonna sit right down and write myself a letter...'

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

ha... How true! I think I might write one for my future self. See what happens :)

pve design said...

I had to do a series of these sorts of letters... 5, 10, 15 years and it was a good math lesson. The numbers never lie.
love her into the future letter.
pve

Anonymous said...

Give peanut butter another chance? I kept telling you that!!! Good thing there were cold sesame noodles around, especially the green-dyed "spinach" ones at that little place on Bleecker (?) with the fireplace, where the entire family cleaned garlic on winter afternoons.

Is that enough of a hint?

Pickle Horwitz said...

I love this. I have a feeling you would have listened to these words. How could you not? They're cushioned with softness.

Laura @ the shorehouse. said...

What a faboo idea! I'd love to write a letter to myself 15 years ago. Heck, I'd love to *be* myself 15 years ago!

Kwana said...

Wow. I love this so much.

Elena said...

Heidi, beautiful, as always. RenTher, I'm with you!

Mine would say: "hold much tighter to your friends, and for god's sake, women, break up with him!!!!"

xoxo

T.F. Torrey said...

Wow. Fantastic.