This week’s “letter to my pre-pandemic self” is written by Sarah, an amazing young woman. Sarah is beautiful, kind, smart, loving, funny, and hard-working, to name but a few of her qualities. She’s dating my youngest son, Matthew. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had the privilege of spending many wonderful moments with her.
Dear Sarah
So it’s February and you’re feeling anxious and scared because you’re about to graduate and you feel like you have nothing figured out. You’re questioning your degree, what you’ll do after this, and how you are going to step into life. The Great Unknown.
Well, it is now October. I cannot even begin to express what this year has been. It has been transformative to say the very least, and that is not to say that I have transformed from the incomplete person I was into this whole, rounded, wise version of who I was hoping to be. Quite the opposite.
This year has slapped me across the face incessantly with the harsh reality that I have no control. 2020 has taught me more than any other year. I have learned more about myself, the people I love, the world and its many flaws. I have been blessed to grace this planet.
2020 – so overwhelming
I have been overwhelmed more times than I can count. I have cried, laughed, been angry, hurt, elated, felt love and disconnection.
Through all of this, I have managed to stay afloat. I have learned to communicate and to let go. I know myself better now than I ever have. I’m still learning but I am better than I was, I am gentler with myself, more patient. And in turn, I am kinder to those around me.
This year did not quell the fears that rose up in me and induced panic back in February. Instead of granting me answers to my countless burgeoning questions, it presented me with the opportunity to hone tools that I believe will help to carry me in times to come and taught me to appreciate the many blessings I have.
Control is a fool’s illusion. Peace comes to those who find solace in the embrace of the unknown.
