A Letter to Last Year's New You

Hi,

You don't know me very well, and if I'm being honest, I have little recollection of what you were up to this time last year, probably sifting through plans last minute and quadruple-guessing your wardrobe choices for tonight. New Year's Eve remains a powerful motivator every year despite its lack of impact, so nothing significant comes to mind. I know you don't put much stake in New Year's Resolutions, and that's probably wise. The resolutions that stick are determined and honored daily, anyway.

This year will be exactly the same as every year before, in that most of it will be a struggle. Many of your hopes and almost all expectations for 2014 will not be met. The value you assign, and the story you tell about the cards that fall will be what defines you today.

In 2013 you were met with an increase of healthful messages. Some of these appealed to you, and some you took further than others. For every change made, for every drop of sweat and self-esteem earned, an old comfort lost as much in appeal. Thank you for every small victory and display of care for a stranger like me.

In 2013 you were met with some of the most interesting people yet. Connections with some of these appealed to you, and some you took further than others. For every dramatic entrance a new character made in your story, one was displaced. Thank you for your openness. Thank you most of all, for sitting through some loneliness and heartbreak. Thank you for the times you chose love over violence towards strangers like me.

In 2013 you were met with opportunities for creativity and spiritual growth. Some outlets appealed to you, and some took you further than others. For every new venture, a past certainty faded to a shade of gray; a boundary dissolved to reveal the responsibilities that came with the new skills you craved. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for the times you pressed forward for strange reasons.

My wish for 2014, and every new year to come, is that you change while somehow, strangely, remaining the same hopeful and significant person.

Love,
Me

P.S. You look fine!!!!!

"Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it; there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off." Proverbs 24:14