Baja, Mexico 3/19/03 Back: Roger and Anna Front: Liz and Kim

Pinkie Pattie Lee wrote a post last weekend that inspired many of us to write letters to our younger selves. Enjoy this letter from blogger extraordinaire, Kim Wenci!

I must admit I have never given this much thought. But, after a nudge to do so, the thoughts come freely and rapidly. I will be 56 in 12 days. While many people do not relish the fact that they are growing old, I am elated. I love being in my fifties. In fact, if I could go back to a younger age... I would respectfully decline.

After some reflection and thought here is what I say to my younger selves:

0-10 year-old self

Be who you are and don't let society wean you out of it!

There are so many stories about me as a child. I did many mischievious things and most were all very brave and down right bold... For example: my parents got a brand new '58 Ford and I decided (at about the age of four) that I didn't want a brown car, I wanted a red one. So I found red paint and started to paint it! I've been told this story too many times to count ... but I ask, just where does a four year-old get red paint? Huh, Dad? I was a very outgoing, funny child full of vim and vinegar. Stay that way, Kimmie.

11-20 year-old self 

Hold on - change is a coming. Going into junior high school was traumatic at best and I was no longer the outspoken gregarious girl that I once was. Now I was very shy and introverted and didn't come out of my shell until I got to college.  I would tell myself: It's okay. You have the option to be however you want to be -- don't feel that you must conform to the expectations of those around you. Being you is good enough.

My 21-30 year-old self

Enjoy yourself and work hard at something you love - the rest will follow. Enjoy meeting new people and falling in love. Trust your instincts and don't continue to fall into the trap of doing what you think others expect you to do. Be grateful for your many blessings - a good job, a loving husband and two beautiful daughters. Enjoy your children's babyhood.  Don't wish that they could sit up and then crawl and then walk and talk, then go to kindergarten. That will all happen much faster that you can ever imagine. Enjoy today - enjoy right now.

My 31-40 year-old self 

This is the busiest time of your life ... you work, you volunteer and you are a taxi for your two daughters. Sometimes it is overwhelming, but again, it goes by so quickly, so enjoy it. The weekend basketball tournaments, the science fairs, the dance recitals, the piano lessons ... all activities to participate in, and they are meant to be enjoyed, not dreaded or rushed through so you can get on to the next "thing." Make time for your husband and work as a team to parent.

My 41-50 year-old self  

Brace yourself for the reality of two teenage girls in the house. You want so much for both of them. You gave one way too much freedom and once it was given, it was impossible to take back. Mistakes were made. Hearts were broken many times. You did the best you could. If love could be measured it would have been overflowing... but love doesn't keep bad things from happening to good people. Many hard and painful lessons had to be learned.  Family is almost as important as faith.

My 51-56 year-old self 

The tide has shifted. The stress and anxiety of raising children is over. The stress of a full-time job is gone.  You are blessed. You have a wonderful, supportive family and a loving husband and two wonderful daughters. It is time to return to self ... to relax ... to breathe deep and smell the roses. Reach out to others and help them along the way... serve others as others have served you. Continue to nurture your relationship with your husband -- after all, it is just the two of you now. Embrace the time you have to spend together. Cherish your friendships and develop new ones.  Offer advice only when it is sought out.

Now is the time to LIVE -- no matter what your age is. Take stock and be grateful --- for all any of us ever really has is TODAY.

L ove       

I nfinitely and with    

V itality,

E ach and Every day  

F or

O pportunities

R esound

T o

O ffer

D aily

A ctions to say

Y es to Life!

What about you? What would you say to your younger selves? How would you prepare yourself for the journey ahead?

In peace and joy,

Kim

[feature photo credit: photoxpress.com]