Dear Self,
Close your eyes.
Stop staring at the screen with your neck bent.
Go outside and take a walk, even if it is for just five minutes.
You are worth it.
All of your future plans can wait.
Take a deep breath and then open your eyes.
What you see is the place given to you called today and now.
Don't worry if it is too small or if you don't have the time or energy,
because you do have this one moment.
You are not confined to the limits of this room or this car or this seat on a subway.
The universe is yours to grasp.
Don't try to speed up to get somewhere.
Try to slow down
...to appreciate where you are at right now.
Close your eyes again and see everything in a new perspective.
Feel the world around you without even touching it and see beyond the reality.
See the possibilities that exist and are ready for you to act on them.
This may be as simple as one smile.
Remember, nothing has to be pushed.
If you need more time to slow down, then wait for it.
Close your eyes again and start over.
Remember those who love you.
Some of them are no longer on this earth, but their spirits are still here.
Remember the lessons you learned from the ghosts of the past.
Remember the young ones who look up to you now.
You need them as much as they need you.
Remember the balance in all things.
No one wants to see you become someone you are not.
Instead become the one you are meant to be.
Look beyond the rough path in front of your eyes...
and see the silver lining ahead.
Not everything is as bad as the news portrays it.
If you are alive today, then you have something to be thankful for.
If you can eat and sleep and run and leap, then sing praise.
If you are with friends and family then even better.
If not, then why don't you call them?
At least send them a message.
There are no time zones between friends.
That's why I'm writing this letter to you now.
With sincerest love and admiration,
Your friend,
Self
All pictures here were taken with my camera this February, 2023. And this writing was not some AI crap.
Again, I'm thankful for 