Reverb 10 Prompt: Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)
Interesting prompt. The first part is straightforward, or I just choose to approach it that way. For the year ahead, my advice to myself is:
Stick to it – Be patient – Engage with the people around you – Continue to learn
The more challenging or introspective part of the prompt is writing a note to yourself today but delivered 10 years ago. It all depends on how honest we are in writing it. The best way, I believe, is to just write the note in one sitting and then go with it. So, here goes mine…
Note to Self – 2000 (10 years ago):
Self,
It is going to be a rough economic haul during the next several years. Budget well, be prudent, but enjoy this time with your family.
Laugh often. Show affection frequently to those especially close to you. Take 5 seconds every day to kiss your wife; 10 seconds would be even better.
Your sons will change greatly, and parenting a child is very different from raising a teen. Set high standards while loving them for who they are and what they will be. Always tell them to do their best at whatever they do. Tell them to never give up.
Ideally, keep the electronic games away from them for as long as possible. Pull the plug on the TV and never look back. Go on adventures, if not every year, every other year.
Every Sunday dinner, ask a question to encourage thought-provoking discussion and conversation. Hold weekly family meetings to discuss what is going well and what needs to be improved.
Find those things in your life which will make it more meaningful. Get involved in volunteer activities. Share. Grow. Focus on the life’s important moments.
Nothing will be easy, but it will always, always be worth it. Keep love alive. Be thankful.
Write (live) the life story you will be proud to share, and your kids will proudly share when they are your age.
Godspeed,
Jon
I believe I have tried to live by the note above, not always successfully and not always fully.
Always trying, though, to do my best.
What Would You Say to Yourself 10 Years Ago?