The Letter
My love,
You are about to embark on a fantastic journey. I’ve been traveling for some time now. I can tell you life is an adventure! It’s my hope that you’ll love it as much as I do. Get ready. All adventures have hidden lessons that must be learned. Some will be challenging and may be repeated. It’s my hope that your journey will be grand, that you’ll be smiling most of the way. I’m sending you a list of ten things I’ve learned so far to help you. Happy travels! And be sure to look up. Sunrises and sunsets are magnificent!
1. There are two words you must keep in a pocket close to your heart. They are your talisman. Use them, especially when you feel scared, lonely, or sad. They are healing words: Thank you. Gratefulness is the key that opens doors you didn’t even know existed; it lets in the light when darkness surrounds you.
2. Know where you’re going. Just as a horse will lead a timid rider, so will life lead you. You must decide where to go, set your intention, and sail in that direction. Whether it’s learning how to swim, reading a series of books, or becoming an astronaut or veterinarian, you must decide and move forward.
3. Be kind. Kindness is strength.
4. Oh, how we love to tell ourselves stories! There will be many stories that flash through your thoughts. They will have a protagonist (you) and probably a villain, and you will either be the hero or the victim. I’ll let you in on a little secret; they’re not real. They’re your thoughts making up a story because we love stories. As long as you know they aren’t real; you’ll be entertained without being hurt. It’s only when we believe them that we feel pain.
5. People will want you to join their groups. There are many different kinds of groups. Be careful. Sometimes when people join groups, it can lead to them being mean to those outside their group. See #3.
6. As you journey, things will happen. People will call them good or bad. Picture yourself on a boat in the middle of an ocean. When you reach new ports, you’ll feel the excitement and want to explore. Then there will be days that seem endless as you drift on and on. Fierce storms will appear that will blanket you in darkness. Through it all, you have your talisman. Keep uttering those two little words as you stay on course. They will be your beacon to help you see the light through the storms, and they will add joy to your happiest moments.
7. Let go of the stories in your thoughts that want to relive the storms.
8. Find your meditation, whether it’s cooking, painting, running, writing, building, caring for others, making music, or sitting in nature. Find what makes your heart breathe a resounding, YES!
9. Take care of your body. It’s your boat on the ocean.
10. Breathe. Notice the moment and breathe.
Onward!
Love,
Your biggest fan
Photo by Ludovic Gauthier on Unsplash
