Dear Jackie, circa 2021

A few weeks ago I wrote a letter to my 16 year old self and now, I'm at it again. This time, I'm writing to myself ten years into the future.



Dearest Jackie,
  As I write this, it is a month and day from your thirty-third birthday, and life is good. I can only assume that Moira and Maeve have continued to keep you on your toes, I figure you spend a lot of your time chauffeuring them around. When you think back longingly to their time as at three and eighteen months, remember the temper tantrums, teething hell, and the time-outs, the multiple time-outs. That should help to balance the probable talking back and slamming doors that the thirteenth year often brings. Knowing that half of her DNA is Bryan's, Mo is probably quite the DIVA! I only pray that Maeve has remained the happy go lucky spirit she was as a toddler.

 Since I know we like lists, I'll continue on that path as I assess our future.

1. Make time for Bryan
While he is quick to put the needs of the girls ahead of him, he deserves to know how much he is appreciated. Don't feel guilty hiring a babysitter or dropping the girls off with the grandparents or aunts/uncles so that you two can spend some much needed time together alone. You have a history, a story worth telling and retelling, share it with the girls. (Most of it anyway!)

2. Don't stop writing!
You are much too hard on yourself, and I know there have been moments where you have contemplated retiring the blog, but please don't do it. Having this record of who you were at this time in your life can only be something to relish in the future. More so, I hope as you read this you are appalled at your writing style and have since adopted a better form.

3. Take care of yourself
Eat better, learn to cook healthier, and actually get your butt back into the pool. Perhaps, even overcome that fear of open water swimming? Remember it's not only for you, but also it serves as a good model for the girls.

4. Family Time
At the end of the day, it's all about family. Make time not only for our little family but for all the extended members and those friends that are virtually family. Think back to being a kid and those picnics with all the cousins, aunts, uncles, our family deserves those memories too! Plus, you know how much you love to throw parties!

5. Travel
It's a big world, and I hope you see more of it. Regardless of how insane it sounds, get out to Taiwan and see Casey and his family and then make a little trip to Tahiti. Win, win, right?

6. Self-Confidence
While I mentioned this to my 16 year old self, I pray that self-confidence has flourished over the past ten years. It would be worthwhile to be comfortable in your skin, and not waste time worrying. With this, I can assume your wardrobe has evolved appropriately and stylishly? 



My wish a month and a day away from your forty-third birthday is that you enjoy the ride!
You deserve any and all happiness as you have put time and energy into your little old family. You love hard and true, and dedicate a tremendous amount of time into making those you love happy. In turn, you deserve happiness in whatever form it may come.

Jackie

Remember when we linked up a few weeks ago with A Letter to You? Well, this week we'd like to you to revisit writing a letter to yourself, but this time you'll be writing a letter to the future you, the you of ten years down the road. Where do you see yourself in the future? What accomplishments do you hope to make? What would you tell the present you? Write it all down and then join us next Sunday to link up and see what the future holds.