Letter to the future me...

I wrote this post a year ago, and even though this isn't that far into the future, it's still an awesome reminder. And it applies to anyone with wild dreams and rampant hope. Such a sweet thing to find in my archived drafts after all these many months. Here I am, quite possibly less than a year away from all my big dreams becoming a reality and it's good to be reminded that joy really is ours for the taking if we're brave enough to reach.

Do you still remember being that bright-eyed, imaginative, vivacious little girl? Are you still that same little girl? Because it's the best part of who you are. And although you're older now... don't ever lose your heart.

Because your heart is what's taken you this far. And it is the thing that will carry you forward.

And since encouragement is like fuel to your soul... let me just tell you something.

You are bright, passionate and lovely. You love fiercely. You desire to constantly evolve into an even better version of yourself. You are extremely self-aware. You are funny and vibrant and honest. Life is a grand adventure to you... and the gifts you have to give the world are far too many to mention. You take life as it comes and always try to see things in a positive light.

I hope you haven't given up on your dream of having your own shop... because if it hasn't happened yet, it will. I know it will... because there's no reason why it couldn't come to pass. If you want it then you can make it happen. Do you remember how perfectly everything was falling into place for you.... the people that God put into your path, the friends you made, the places that lit up your soul? Have you forgotten? Have you begun to doubt yourself?

Push that doubt aside and do what you can today. Take what steps you can and let yourself feel good about that. Because one long road is just a bunch of tiny little steps and you'll be there before you know it.

Success is yours for the taking... and your definition of success is for you to decide. Just stay focused and determined. Learn from those who have gone before you. And smile every step of the way.

I would encourage all of you to write a letter like this to yourself. Save it as a draft to come back and read later or pen a letter and place it in an envelope with the date one year from now so you know when to open it. Don't be afraid to flatter and encourage yourself. In one year, you may really need it. In one year, you may realize you have come much farther than you predicted.