Lost and Finding Joy

Dear Self,

The world was such a wondrous place. You were excited, curious, and ambitious. You couldn’t wait to turn 16. You got your driver’s license and could explore more things. You started working, and played a lot. You loved going to the water park, Adventure River. You were full of vigor, and you felt FREE.

Friends came and went. That was fine for you. There was still so much to experience. You had different jobs, and learned from each. You couldn’t wait to turn 18. You moved into an apartment with a life-long friend. Life was harder than you thought it’d be, but there was still so much to explore. You were optimistic, and you felt STRONG.

You thought you were getting old. All of your friends were getting married. You just turned 19. Your self esteem was low. You married the first person you thought would have you. You weren’t happy, but thought you’d never divorce, so you decided to have a baby. You had a precious son at age 20. Your heart was full of joy, and you felt LOVED.

Your child was the light of your life, so you decided to have two more. They brought you so much love and joy, but something was lacking. You needed a husband to love you for who you were. You felt like you’d never be enough, and you felt TRAPPED.

You found satisfaction through learning. You took a paralegal course. You got a job with two attorneys. They encouraged you. You felt smart, more confident, and like you were ENOUGH.

You were gaining strength, and contemplating divorce. You decided it would be best for you and your children if you took a leap for happiness. You ended the marriage. You were happy some days, and sad on others. You were emotionally battered, but you felt DETERMINED.

You were blessed to marry the love of your life. You had two more children who bound the family together. There was so much love and adoration for all. You had great things to experience together as a family; but also things to overcome. They each had their own lives to live. You grew and they grew too. You had ambition, and learned many things. You compared life to Disneyland — so many things to explore and experience. You had good times and hard times. All in all, it was all worth it. You felt SATISFACTION.

Now your babies are having babies. Once again, you have new things to experience and enjoy. What a blessing it is to live this life.

Remember to always be true to yourself. Life is a journey full of twists and turns, ups and downs. Always remember to stop once in awhile to look at a sunset or smell the flowers. By now, you know this life is FLEETING.

You have more love in your life than you’ve ever had. Continue to love others. When your last breath comes, you will feel accomplished; and your heart will be full of LOVE and GRATITUDE.

Love,

Yourself