Celebrate Yourself!

Sometimes we give ourselves gifts that are not realized until years later. One of those gifts was a letter my son wrote to his future self in eighth grade. His teacher kept it for four years and mailed it to him just before his high school graduation. As he read it, he realized many of the goals and dreams he had written as an eighth grader had come true. The letter was a simple but powerful reminder that hope can become reality. 

New friends, check.  

College applications, check. 

College acceptances, check check.

It was amazing for me to hear, through his writing, the squeaky voice of my young teen juxtaposed to the almost grown voice of my son - a young man.  

Laguna Humantay, Peru

Today, I received the same gift, and it spoke volumes about my confidence. You see, I too, had written a letter to myself almost seven months ago as I undertook one of the biggest challenges of my life - hiking the Andes mountains in Peru.  I wrote this letter to the person I expected to see on the other side of these mountains.  Someone who had moved outside of comfort zones on so many levels. Icky toilets. Solo travel to a foreign country. The vastness of the unknown.  Physical and emotional challenges.  

This letter was written to me to help me realize that I would fight for every breath and every step.  I would discover my own altitude.

I had completely forgotten that I had written this letter and was so confused by the familiarity of the handwritten note delivered to my mailbox.  What words had I written seven months ago that honored me today? What authentic affirmation had I written that was meant to be delivered when I needed it most?

 “You will have left that mountain feeling empowered, feeling strong and full of the possibles.”   

As I reflected on my travels and this positive voice from my past, I had forgotten some of the depth of my feelings as I summited peaks as high as 15,000 feet.  

Fear

Discomfort

Worry 

A pervasive lack of confidence in the moment.

Awe inspiring views of unimaginable beauty

Feelings of oxygen deprived lungs

Humility 

All of these feelings were amplified as each foot hit the ground pleading to move forward.  

So, here is my message.  Begin writing yourself love letters. 

Love letters that will hit you in the gut when you receive them.  Medicine for your soul prescribed by your past self who knew what words your future self will need. Love letters that you can tuck away and find later to pick you up when you are feeling stuck.  Love letters for that person who may have feelings of unworthiness. Love letters when you may feel less than. Love letters, for goodness sakes, for the you who is strong, resilient, amazing and  a miracle. 

You are your own best cheerleader so get writing.  Give yourself a hug with words.  Send yourself a message affirming the possibles.