Dear 45-Year-Old Me

"Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars." - Les Brown

Dear 45-Year-Old Me,

Stop what you are doing right now. Look around you and appreciate where you are. If you aren't happy there, go where you are. If I know you as well as I think I do, that will probably be outside, maybe somewhere by the water. Dip your fingers in that water. Reach out and touch nature. Experience it. Take a deep breath and savor the smell. Listen to each sound. Taste the fresh air and relax. Enjoy it! Look around you and know you are exactly where you're supposed to be.

Think about where you are in your life and how hard you've worked to get there. Be proud of yourself for your accomplishments but also be grateful. Don't forget the people who have helped you along the way. Think of the obstacles you've overcome — all the heartache and struggle, all those days you thought you wouldn’t amount to anything. Then think about those moments of sheer endurance and determination. The woman hiding under there is unstoppable.

Now I want you to pick up the phone and call the people you love. If you are lucky, they are all still in your life. Make sure they know how you feel about them. Don't let another moment pass without telling people you love them. Open your calendar and set some dates with your loved ones. Get everyone together to have a meal like you used to. Don't make or accept excuses about being too busy or life being hectic. Make it happen. These moments will soon pass you by and then they'll be gone forever.

Next, I want you to look at the man whose hand you hold every day. Don't let go of his hand or take it for granted. Make sure he knows how much he means to you and always take good care of his heart. Do not let that relationship get rusty and oxidize as time slips by you. Don't let the space created by busy schedules and mundane routines separate your hearts. Choose him every day. Love him more every second. Put the work in to keep that love from going stale.

Ten years ago, you made a promise to yourself. You promised that you'd stop putting so much effort into things that don't bring you joy and I hope you are still living by that principle. I hope are putting aside your fear of failure and making those blind leaps of faith to reach your goals. I hope you are still embracing the mess rather than trying to be perfect and aren't settling for mediocrity, but instead working hard to make a difference in the world. I hope you are still chasing big dreams but also living in each moment because it's only this very moment you are promised.

Love,

Your Younger Self