Archive for July, 2010
A letter to my 20 something self: Eilis
Posted by: | CommentsI wish I could give the introduction this letter deserves. However, I was supposed to have this letter up this morning. As you can see this day has been a little crazy. Big stuff is happening. Good stuff is happening. And this letter you are about to read? Amazing. Amazing. Amazing.
Dear 20-something Eilis,
Hey girl. It’s been awhile, but actually, I’ve been thinking of you and missing you a lot lately. I think I’ve just been reminiscing about you and life at your age and have been thinking about how much has changed. Sometimes I find myself going along with my daily business and just feeling…happy. I stop what I’m doing and wait to see if that old heaviness in my heart will be there, but it’s gone. Can you believe it? I know you know that heaviness. I know you think it will always be there and you want to punch the next person that tells you “everything will work out the way it’s supposed to,” but I’m here to say that you need to have faith in that. I think you sort of do, but I know it doesn’t help the heaviness. I also need to let you know that the horrible heartbreak that you go through when you are 23 ends up being the beginning of the rest of your life. It hurts like hell and trying to get over it is a nightmare, but you totally get over it. You don’t forget it, but the hurt is gone. And you learn SO MUCH from it. You learn all about who you are and what you want and deserve in life. You don’t deserve to be treated like that and you learn that you can lose yourself, and I’m here to say that you’ll never let it happen to you again, even though I know you’re scared you will.
You know what other annoying saying turns out to be true? “You’ll find someone when you least expect it.” You’re going to make a big decision when you are 25, a decision to move away. Stick with your gut on that one, girl. It leads you to a place you’ve always dreamed of but never thought you’d find. It leads you to a man you never knew REALLY existed. He’s kind and funny and loving. He lets you snuggle whenever you want. He never calls you names. He loves you for who you are, even with your flaws. Keep up with your bowling skills…that helps seal the deal on your first date with him. And you know how you’ve always dreamed of having kids but have this horrible fear that you won’t be able to? Turns out you’re a bit of a Fertile Myrtle, so don’t sweat that one either. And you know how you secretly fear that your kids might be ugly? They are totally adorable, and I’m not just saying that because they’re yours. Other people say it too, so it’s legit.
I’d like to thank you for staying true to yourself and for making it through the tough times and becoming the woman that you are, because I’m totally reaping the benefits. Waking up every day and not feeling sad about anything is such a wonderful feeling. So Kudos, kiddo. We made it to our thirties. Life goals? Accomplished. Sure, there is much more to come, but as far as the dreams you are dreaming right now, in your twenties? They all come true. We are so lucky.
Kisses,
31-year-old Eilis
Letter to my 20 Something Self: Maura
Posted by: | CommentsI was so touched when I received Maura’s letter. As you know I too have a little boy in my twenties. I cannot tell you how often it is a challenge being the youngest mom in the bunch.
I have been a little absent this week. It is our last week of summer classes. :)
Enjoy!
| Dear 20 year old Maura,
What a good mom you were to those two little boys. Although there will be a time in your future that you will be less than stellar, you rocked when they were little. Apple picking in your high heeled clogs, pumpkin picking, lazy afternoons at the beach you did them all. You didn’t have much support back then so you went out and found it by joining a mother’s group, you being the youngest mom of the bunch didn’t faze you a bit. Love yourself more, don’t be so critical of your body, you will actually come to believe in your beauty. Don’t believe the voices in your head that tell you that you are not worthy because you never completed college. You are very smart woman that will do quite all right for herself. The man you married he was not the “one” but he gave you those two little boys who are the loves of your life. You will meet the “one” who will love you unconditionally and be a wonderful step dad to those boys. He will teach you the power of family something you did not know. Addiction will get the better of you, but you will turn it around and be a power of example before it is too late. This journey will change you. Don’t run so fast, smell that salt air and spring lilacs, walk the beach more. If I could tell you one thing it is that you are worthy. Love your 41 year old self. |
