Soulful Reminders: The Past and Future Self

I begin coaching sessions with poetry as a way of centering and grounding the space. Recently, I’ve been organizing old pieces. While sorting through the poems, I came across a letter addressed to my “future self” that I wrote in a retreat series years ago. In my re-reading of this old letter, I experienced profound gratitude for my journey in all of its unexpected twists and turns and those who have reminded me of my humanity along the way. 

Within this old letter, I found a universal invitation: a call to reclaim our humanity in a world quick to cast judgement. Expectations, met and unmet, are often used to determine our worth. In revisiting this old letter, I found a gentle reminder of the simple, complexity of our human experience.

I share this letter with you, hoping that you will hear in it an invitation to be human. Others will always be there to tell you who you are and what you’re capable of. My hope is that you explore the space where you find yourself, discovering joy and nurturing hope. 

A Letter to Your Future Self 

REMEMBER - You have a full-time job; you are a parent to two small children; you help maintain a household. Be gentle, kind, and patient with yourself. 

REMEMBER - It’s not up to you to make everything perfect and good. God invites you as you are to be a participant in God’s work of goodness in the world. 

REMEMBER - You are you. No more, no less. 

REMEMBER - Prioritizing your mental health is important. Take your meds each day, stay hydrated, and embrace those steps - it’s a journey worth taking. Keep going! 

May you always look ahead with joy and hope, embracing the imperfect journey that is uniquely yours.

Stephanie B. Dunn