During this past week, as my last semester of my undergrad career came to a close, I have felt a mix of emotions.

For many years, school had given me a structure that I had designed my life around. Now that it was coming to an end, I was uncertain what my future held.

Our society encourages us to self-medicate with a look, a product or a person that will give us what we need. But what if it’s true that we already possess everything we need?

With that thought, I turned inwards and imagined what my future self would say to my present self.

I know you are totally freaked out right now. I know you doubt yourself and you don’t know if you will be able to live the dream life you envision. In fact, I know you’re not even sure what that dream life looks like, but you know you haven’t reached it yet.

You want more, and that’s okay. You deserve it, though I know you don’t always think you do.

You’re on the right track.

I know it’s not always easy, but it will be worth it, I promise!

I know you’ve struggled with the past, but you are trying to set things straight now. I am so proud of you. I know you fail, and often I must remind you of your many successes. I am here to pick you up when you are down. I am the shoulder for you to cry on.  When things are going well, I will help you celebrate and teasingly say, “I told you so!”

I am your best friend and your confidant. I have your back and will always be there when you need me.  I have seen you at your worst and your best and I still think you are a wonderful person. I love you unconditionally and there is nothing you could do that would make me think otherwise.

You don’t think you can, but you can. You don’t think you are talented, but your talent is ready to be used. You don’t think you are good enough, but you are magnificent.

You don’t think you are ready, but the time is right…now! Together, we will design an amazing, fulfilling life that we can be proud of.

While not everyone is graduating from college right now, this is a time of year when we tend to take stock of our successes and failures. We tend to focus on our shortcomings, often beating ourselves up or looking for unhealthy ways to feel better.

Instead of doing this, I encourage you to turn inwards and know that you already have everything you need. What would your future self say to your present self?

Monica Johnson is proud to call New York City her home, though she equally loves Mount Desert Island, Maine. In an ideal world, she would split her time between the two.  She also loves hiking and puppies.

 

 

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Assistant Ed.: Jayleigh Lewis

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