Dear Old Me,
It’s been a while, I haven’t forgotten you. If you’re wondering what happened, well, a lot did. To simply explain, I lost you. I took my eyes off you for a second, and walked in the opposite direction. And with one distraction, I drifted away from you. A series of events took me down a road that I had to walk. A lesson had to be learned; wisdom to be earned. But just like Dorothy, I’ve found my way home. I’m too intelligent to be this negligent!
I won’t place blame anywhere; it was my responsibility to handle you with care. I won’t indulge in the pain that took place, I’ve come out that dark space. Set my pride aside, stare you in the face and ask you for grace. I can see you in the distance. Slowly, I’m finding my way back to you. I followed your trail of tears, filled with joy and laughter, because that is who you are. Your dry humor jokes, only we understand, reach my ears. My path lit by the radiance of your smile. Stay right there because I’m coming towards you. I’m bringing a bag of wisdom, a heap of humility, and a hint of gratitude. No more distractions nor will i succumb to manipulative actions. Releasing the distraction of emotional attachment. 
I remember the quiet mornings and peaceful nights. Thank God, reality found its place just soon enough for me to remember your face. What a gift from the Most High, to be reconnected to “I”. It shall be a beautiful reunion and a new beginning. I am coming for you! We will accomplish all those goals you had set and dreams you’ve dreamt! No more passiveness! This is your life and you can have it all… happiness most of all. 

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To the world,
I want you to know life isn’t always simple for me. My privacy and strength perpetuate a life of ease. But if only you could see behind the scenes. You don’t know the burden I bear or the stories I’m ashamed to share. I take my grief in stride, it doesn’t mean I haven’t cried. I have a confession, I too, deal with depression. It’s as though being strong means nothing is wrong. Believe it or not, my family isn’t perfect. Some holidays aren’t even worth the drama; I was always taught to respect my momma. They say you have a home and car, the good life can’t be far. It isn’t always all good, it’s that I handle my problems differently than you would. I’m not one for pity parties, so please don’t feel sorry. My mission is for you to understand that, at some point, life has handed us all a dirty hand. Don’t always assume people are fine, instead do the world a favor and always be kind.

At the stroke of midnight
I promise, this year to do right
I will commit to discipline 
Remember, sugar is a sin

This year I will lose 15 pounds
I’ll pass on the second round
Spend more time with family and friends
Will you get another day after this one ends?

I will budget better 
No, I don’t need a new sweater
I will sing, dance, and laugh,
Until I get a charley horse in my calf

Taking the optimism route
No self-doubt 
Try something new
Make a dollar or two

Sell my pasta salad
Hopefully, it’s a hit on somebody’s palate
I may even go to church
Getting up early on Sunday won’t hurt

This year, I’m all about improving and growth
And on that note, 
Wishing you all success in every goal
And happiness to your soul

Dear Self,
Thank you for accepting life’s journey and not letting obstacles stop your glory. You’ve triumphed over the hurdles of failure and dismay. Dealing with a toxic partner while trying to maintain and enjoy new motherhood. Through the woes of taking care of your aging parents and as we all know, the bills don’t stop coming! Barely seen are the burdens you bear; a smile in the forefront of all adversity. Thank you for acknowledging and gracefully defeating depression and unhappiness. You decided not only for yourself but for your child, you will have peace. Also, understanding peace requires forgiveness. Thank you for not giving up or breaking when so many would have. Thank you for standing up for me! Thank you for remembering God is always with you in your darkest times. I thank you for having the courage to tell your story so that it may encourage others. Our purpose may not always be obvious to us, but it’s clear in the way we touch other’s lives. Thank you for sharing a piece of you, as others may use it as faith that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you.