5 years later...
It's not every day you get inspired to write a letter with words of the past and predictions for the future to yourself. I wish I could say I have a vivid memory of the day I wrote this letter, but really, I remember that season of time. I was 19 years old, which in and of itself is a catalyst for change. I was accepted to go to Alverno College in the fall and was pretty excited but also scared. I had met Ryan and not sure what to make of our friendship at the time. I make several references to my family and friends and it's funny to see how some predictions were accurate!
For some reason, I actually wrote two letters. One was more personal and social observations, and the other a more spiritual aspect in which I did my best to speak life into my future self, knowing that many changes were upon me. I debated on how to actually display the content of the letters, so if you don't mind, here are some 'excerpts' from it, because it was quite long. I hope you feel inspired to write a letter to yourself to open in the future. I will warn you, be careful with your words, but also have fun too, you never know how much might change!
Note that the italics are my current thoughts and comments!
For some reason, I actually wrote two letters. One was more personal and social observations, and the other a more spiritual aspect in which I did my best to speak life into my future self, knowing that many changes were upon me. I debated on how to actually display the content of the letters, so if you don't mind, here are some 'excerpts' from it, because it was quite long. I hope you feel inspired to write a letter to yourself to open in the future. I will warn you, be careful with your words, but also have fun too, you never know how much might change!
Note that the italics are my current thoughts and comments!
Hello 24 year old me,
I hope that all is well and you are happy. I've been telling myself for years, don't be afraid and I hope you've embraced the fearless life you were meant to live. By this time you will be done with college and on to other adventures in life.
Right now is a season of change.. going into school, maturing in discipline and livelihood. I hope to be fit, in love, and well on my to doing God's will. Very random things to put together, but those are all things I desire.
Wherever you are, know that you shouldn't lose sight of the greatest joy - your salvation. And connected to that salvation - the Savior that loves you with an unsurpassed incredible love. :)
I know you are grateful, but you should always cling to that appreciation and never take for granted your blessings - big or small.
I hope Gabe is married to Cindy by now... if not, that would make me very sad. (They are married, and happily for 3 years now! Yay!)
Are Derek and Hannah still together? I know that if it's right it will work out. They're pretty cute together. (They are also married for 3 years now... another yay!)
Anna & Chris might have a child by now, yes?? (Yes they do!!)I hope so...maybe it'll be a girl (actually it's a boy, and his name is Will - who is the cutest and about to be 1 this summer!) to balance out Owen (my brother's son). And Owen will be almost 6? Holy Cow! Hahaha. I bet he is a funny little fella. Give him a squeeze for me and tell him about this letter (Jonah & Deb - I'm sure you'll have fun explaining this letter to Owen. Lol)
I wonder how Perc Place is doing... Cynthia better still be around. That place wouldn't be the same without her! (Cynthia is still the owner of Perc Place, and she was the one to give me my first job - a very memorable milestone in my life.)
I bet Jenny & Ingrid still make you laugh, remembering every joke since the first. They always kept me laughing at work. Never a dull moment with them. I bet one of them is married by now. (Actually - not quite married, but they are both engaged and getting married this fall!) My little twit (Jenny), is probably successful and definitely on the path God has for her. And Ingrid is thriving in her career as she continues to be a joy to others. Keep me close to them even still.
And then there's Ryan. At this point I've only known him for seven months... and I have NEVER met anyone life him (Still true to this day!..lol) I have developed feelings for him, and I don't know what to do with them or even if they should be there. Five years can say a lot. I do hope that if it is is God's will, that is anything should happen, I hope I take my time, I listen carefully and continue to be dedicated to God. Only time will tell. (5 years later and we have almost been married for 2 years.. holy cow!!)
I pray that I will have met a lot of people....Made new friendships...strengthened others.. and come to find that each one is precious. (Check,check,check, and check!)
I hope your hair is long, 'cause of late I am in the process of growing it out. (unfortunately, my hair is no longer than it was at the time of writing the letter... i dream of a day with super long hair, but I don't think that will happen.)
Is Facebook still around? In the month of July this year there has been a lot of speculation about them charging for it to be used. Most everyone including myself will not have one or delete ours if it happens. (Of course Facebook never charged to be a user, but there is 10 times more advertisements on it, and since then other social media avenues have grown to replace it in popularity.)
I could write more, but my hand is tired.
You should write another one of these once you're down reading this. (I sure will, and I think I will write one with Ryan too!)
Love,
Audrey Kim
Right now is a season of change.. going into school, maturing in discipline and livelihood. I hope to be fit, in love, and well on my to doing God's will. Very random things to put together, but those are all things I desire.
Wherever you are, know that you shouldn't lose sight of the greatest joy - your salvation. And connected to that salvation - the Savior that loves you with an unsurpassed incredible love. :)
I know you are grateful, but you should always cling to that appreciation and never take for granted your blessings - big or small.
I hope Gabe is married to Cindy by now... if not, that would make me very sad. (They are married, and happily for 3 years now! Yay!)
Are Derek and Hannah still together? I know that if it's right it will work out. They're pretty cute together. (They are also married for 3 years now... another yay!)
Anna & Chris might have a child by now, yes?? (Yes they do!!)I hope so...maybe it'll be a girl (actually it's a boy, and his name is Will - who is the cutest and about to be 1 this summer!) to balance out Owen (my brother's son). And Owen will be almost 6? Holy Cow! Hahaha. I bet he is a funny little fella. Give him a squeeze for me and tell him about this letter (Jonah & Deb - I'm sure you'll have fun explaining this letter to Owen. Lol)
I wonder how Perc Place is doing... Cynthia better still be around. That place wouldn't be the same without her! (Cynthia is still the owner of Perc Place, and she was the one to give me my first job - a very memorable milestone in my life.)
I bet Jenny & Ingrid still make you laugh, remembering every joke since the first. They always kept me laughing at work. Never a dull moment with them. I bet one of them is married by now. (Actually - not quite married, but they are both engaged and getting married this fall!) My little twit (Jenny), is probably successful and definitely on the path God has for her. And Ingrid is thriving in her career as she continues to be a joy to others. Keep me close to them even still.
And then there's Ryan. At this point I've only known him for seven months... and I have NEVER met anyone life him (Still true to this day!..lol) I have developed feelings for him, and I don't know what to do with them or even if they should be there. Five years can say a lot. I do hope that if it is is God's will, that is anything should happen, I hope I take my time, I listen carefully and continue to be dedicated to God. Only time will tell. (5 years later and we have almost been married for 2 years.. holy cow!!)
I pray that I will have met a lot of people....Made new friendships...strengthened others.. and come to find that each one is precious. (Check,check,check, and check!)
I hope your hair is long, 'cause of late I am in the process of growing it out. (unfortunately, my hair is no longer than it was at the time of writing the letter... i dream of a day with super long hair, but I don't think that will happen.)
Is Facebook still around? In the month of July this year there has been a lot of speculation about them charging for it to be used. Most everyone including myself will not have one or delete ours if it happens. (Of course Facebook never charged to be a user, but there is 10 times more advertisements on it, and since then other social media avenues have grown to replace it in popularity.)
I could write more, but my hand is tired.
You should write another one of these once you're down reading this. (I sure will, and I think I will write one with Ryan too!)
Love,
Audrey Kim