Dear Future Me,

October 29, 2023

Dear Future Me,

This letter is dedicated to you, or rather, to the me that exists a year from now. In 2023, things haven't exactly been on our side. It might not have been as disastrous as 2021, but it did put us through the wringer. Our heart endured two breakups this year. It's quite ironic how we once believed that life's most profound lessons were learned only once, right? However, this year shattered that notion; it seems like pain is a recurring theme in our life. I wonder how many times we must experience it before we truly understand its purpose.

As of now, we've been without a job for a whole month, despite countless interviews. It's been a challenging road, and just when we thought we had escaped the darkest corners of our mind, we were pulled right back in. Honestly, we're growing weary of it all.

Right now, we feel incredibly unlovable, and I'm not sure how to comfort us. We've often told ourselves that the right person will come along, but I'm beginning to question whether love is meant for us. Experiencing heartbreak twice in a single year feels like twice too much. Was it our fault? Perhaps. Will we overcome it? Undoubtedly, but at this moment, everything is still fresh and raw. So, I'm penning this letter for you to read in one year, praying to the higher powers that things will change.

A year from now, I hope you can read this and tell me that indeed, things have transformed. I hope we've strived for what we want because, honestly, we have close to nothing left. Once again, we've been stripped of everything we once possessed – every ounce of happiness, confidence, faith, and hope. Admitting to myself that we've been drifting away because of the trials we've faced is difficult. I pray that one year from today, I'll find my faith again. I genuinely believe it's possible.

So, a year from now, read this letter with all the gratitude in the world. Cherish it and pray for us. Pray for the changes we hope to see, for the strength to face what's ahead, and for the love we seek. May our future be brighter and filled with hope.

Sincerely,

2023 you

Dear 2022 Me,

I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to bring you up to speed on the whirlwind of changes and experiences that have unfolded since your last entry in the journal of life. Hold onto your hat, because some pretty significant shifts have taken place in the short time since you last checked in.

First and foremost, I quit my job. I can already hear your gasp of surprise. I know, you probably remember that amazing job promotion last year, and it did bring a sense of accomplishment. However, as time went on, the daily grind, the early mornings, and the constant traveling were taking their toll on us. The work-life balance was out of whack, and something had to give. So, here I am, on the job hunt, four weeks of joblessness behind me, and a sense of looming insanity creeping in.

We don't go on as many dates as we used to. Life has been throwing challenges at us, and the number of bodies now stands at eleven. Yes, I know you're probably doing a double-take at that number. Things got interesting in our dating life, didn't they? Last year was quite the rollercoaster, and this year we've only added two more to our count. We've been seeing the same two people consistently – one of them being our long-standing friend, and the other recently broke up with his girlfriend. But you might want to sit down for this one: I've decided to put a pause on dating altogether. Yes, you heard that right. We've met someone extraordinary, and I hope, someday, they might be more than just a number in our list. This change wasn't for them; it was for us. We realized some important things and decided to make a shift.

Now, let's talk about loneliness. It's still here, lurking in the shadows. But I believe we've been managing it better this year. Our friends remain an incredible source of support and joy. We've seen them from time to time, even made some new friends, and, just like last year, we're still navigating this journey alone. Though, brace yourself for a surprise – we've gained some and lost some friends this year. You wouldn't believe who it is, but trust me, there have been some unexpected twists.

In a nutshell, this year has been quite a challenge for us. April, our birth month, was a tough one. We reached a breaking point and had to take an unpaid leave to find some relief. Our hearts, well, they got tangled up again. It might not have been as brutal as what we experienced before, but it still stung.

Most of the months this year have felt like I've been operating in zombie mode. Life has thrown us for a loop, but we're still here, pushing forward, and learning as we go. It's a journey with ups and downs, but I'm hopeful that we're growing stronger and wiser with each passing day.

So, 2022 Me, I hope you're doing well, and I'll keep you updated as the journey unfolds. Remember, life is full of surprises, and change can be both challenging and rewarding. Hang in there, and keep moving forward.

With love,

Your 2023 Self