An Open Letter to My Future Self

A Letter to My Future Self

Letter not to be read – by Abby, that is – until July 29, 2016. The above image is from Graphic Stock – I highly recommend them for your graphic needs… after all, I’m a photographer, not a graphic designer. I was not paid to promote them here (though I have worked with them in the past); I truly heart their services.ย 

Hi-Hi Future Abby.

How are you doing? Well, I hope? I’ve honestly avoided writing a letter to you for quite a while now, as I have this irrational fear of dying sometime between the time I compose the letter and the ‘to-be-opened’ date. Okay, that sounds absolutely ridiculous. I swear I once came across a news article about a young girl who wrote a letter to her future self, to be opened in ten or so years, and then she passed away of cancer before she could read it. It’s not going to happen to me, right?
*knocks on wood*
*wonders if ‘knock on wood’ even applies to this situation*
Yes, I am anxiety girl.

Anyways, enough of that morbid nonsense. What’s up? How was this past year for you? What are your roommates like? Is living away from home a struggle, or liberating? How is college? Was being on your own at seventeen for a few months hard? What mistakes did you make? I know you made mistakes. How are your French language skills? Dear God, Abby, I hope you’ve picked up at least a little bit. Did you make friends? Could you afford any new, cute clothes? Is the podcast still going strong? What about Lace & Lilacs? Have your photos and/or writing improved? Goodness, I have so many questions for you! I could just go on and on and on

I would prefer that you not reflect too much on where you were a year ago. It wasn’t a horrible time; you’ve been through much worse. It was just… blah. There were a few lovely moments, of course, such as the 1D concert, and the time you saw Paper Towns with Jessica in Aliso Viejo. But they were few and far between. Your present self (well, past self, in a year) is so very ready to launch and be free. She can see the light at the end of the tunnel; it’s finally visible. But she is – I am – not there yet. I wonder if I will be prepared, when the day finally comes. I guess you know the answer to that. I certainly don’t.

I hope you’re treating yourself well.

You better be keeping up with your Q&A journal, Abs. Just a friendly reminder, girl. ๐Ÿ˜‰

I wonder what your apartment was like. Lovely, I hope? And who will you be staying with next year? You’re returning to Paris, of course. So much will have changed when you next read these words. It’s totally crazy.

Alright, I’ll refrain from asking you/me questions from this point on. Why bother; it’s not like you/me can provide me/you with the answers now, anyway.

I hope that in a year you love your life. I know you won’t have found your (metaphorical?) place yet… I mean, you’re eighteen, for god’s sake. Please be on your way, though. Keep working toward your goals. Work hard. You can do it. I wonder what my goals will be in a year…? (Oops. I promised no more questions. Apologies.)

Hmm, what else should I add to this note? I can’t think of much. I suppose the biggest point truly is the one about taking care of yourself. You can’t have it all. Accept that.

Keep Writing. Keep Taking Pictures. Keep Creating Things.ย 

Don’t be afraid of people. They most likely aren’t out to get you, and if they appear to be… it’s an issue of their own and has nothing whatsoever to do with you. Please don’t forget this.

Don’t fear anything, in fact. Do, however, make wise decisions. And budget. Manage your money well.

It’s okay if your views and opinions change. You’re constantly evolving. We are not the same person. Technically we are… but no, really, we aren’t in the slightest.

This is the letter you should’ve written April 2014. You weren’t ready at the time. But now, today, I am/you are. I’m sure you’ll be far wiser than me a year from now… but not wise at all in comparison to the majority of grown, successful adults. You’ll get there. And said adults may not even feel grown or successful, you know. Keep that in mind. We’re all children at heart.

Um, that’s enough rambling for today, yes? You probably want to get back to whatever you’re doing, wherever you are. At home in California? Paris, perhaps? Germany? Somewhere else? Wow.

Sending so much love. You can do anything you set your mind to.

xoxo,

Past Abby

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10 comments on “An Open Letter to My Future Self”

  1. To future Abby: Hey girl! Do you remember me?? I hope you haven’t left me behind when you left for Paris ;P You are such an inspiration and constantly creating, and I hope you never forget that part of you! I suppose you’ve been in Paris for the past year and are now “back,” whatever that means. Paris must have been a dream come true (I’ve said this so many times already but.. it’s true!!!); even though you might not be in Paris anymore, continue to live out your dreams and let your adventures continue! -Audrey | Brunch at Audrey’s xx

  2. love it!!!!

    (and omg I read about that girl who died before her letter too…that was sad. You won’t die though, don’t worry!!)

    • Aww, thanks Kayle! And wasn’t that so sad?! I know I’ll be fine but sometimes I can be a teeny bit superstitious hahah. ๐Ÿ™‚ xoxo
      (btw, the cookie recipe you just posted looks INCREDIBLE! still not over it.)

  3. Oh Abby, this post actually made me slightly emotional reading it, I really, really loved it. You were so honest with yourself and that was so lovely to see. I hope the podcast is still going strong in a years time, too and if we both have anything to say about it (which we both do…) I’m sure it will be. You have so many adventures ahead of you! I can’t wait to watch them unfold!

    Xxx Lucy-Claire

    • Thank you so much, Lucy! You’re the sweetest!
      It feels a bit awkward putting so much of myself out there, but I know future me will appreciate it… even if she laughs a little. ๐Ÿ™‚
      xoxo!

  4. So honest and brave! You’ll love looking back on this letter in a year :). Love that image!

  5. Hi Abby,
    What a wonderful letter and endeavor to write this letter in the first place. Your space here is quite beautiful. I am so happy to have found you. I loved your line to yourself “Keep writing. Keep taking pictures.. Keep creating things.” I just said that to my future self. That, and keep going! Never ever ever ever ever ever give up as my father would say.