Dear Self:
It's been almost a year since you graduated college. In that short time you've had two different jobs, been in a wedding (shout out to the Dudrow's), traveled to Europe and become a mother. A whirlwind to say the least...a lot can change in 365 days and time is certainly not slowing down.
Departing Neverland and entering the murky waters of adulthood is no easy task but you came out with minor scrapes and gained epic battle scars. You, along with most other 20-something, are living proof that growing up isn't as bad as Peter Pan anticipated.
Isn't that just it? Anticipation. A prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action; the act of looking forward. You're somewhat of a professional anticipator, a highly respectable skill. However, being crippled by the fear of the unforeseen is as exhausting as it is useless. Trying to figure out the outcome of any and all situations diminishes life's glorious unpredictability, further manifesting the dark, merciless fear.
To quote wise-beyond-his-years Christopher Robin, “you're braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think." Face doubt, anxiety, unease and all their greedy cohorts with your most powerful weapon: your heart. It holds your deepest truths and will never lead you astray. Your head is also useful but proceed with caution, for it is much easier to get lost in its winding labyrinth of thoughts.
Trust the people who know you from the inside out; you are never alone in this journey.
Trust yourself; you're more rare and majestic than a unicorn.
Trust the unknown; it has brought you many gifts thus far.
Love,
22-year-old You
P.S. When all else fails, engage in a spontaneous dance party.
