Dear Old Erin,
Life is crazy...unpredictable...a roller coaster. Sometimes you're at the top of the hill, and sometimes you feel like you're buried fifty feet under it. Life can be hard, and life can be good...and sometimes it can be both at the same time. Sometimes you will find yourself laughing through tears...or even laughing so hard you cry.
Don't sweat the small stuff. Seriously. There are so many hard things that can happen in life that you need to save your worrying energy for those things. So you burned the grilled cheese...big deal. So your dog peed on your shoe just as you were ready to walk out the door...gross, but not the end of the world. So your job isn't perfectly pleasant 100% of the time...at least you have one. You will have big things to worry about...break-ups, deaths, job changes, moves...so save your energy for those.
While you're busy not sweating the small stuff, make sure you do take time to smell the flowers, so to speak. Enjoy those sunrises, even if you'd rather still be in bed. Savor those baby snuggles, even if it's 3 in the morning...and the fourth time tonight. Those babies won't stay babies forever. Take time to listen to the stories your grandparents have to tell, even if you've heard those stories hundreds of times! Before long, they won't be here to share those stories. Ask your parents to share stories of your childhood...of the items they've saved...of family mementos...of photos. And you can always, literally, take time to smell the flowers. Unless you're allergic...then maybe don't smell the flowers.
Cherish the people in your life. As I said before, life is unpredictable. We don't know how long we'll be around, or how long anyone in our life will be around. I have lost a grandmother who turned 90 before she died, my 70 year old mother, but also my 7 month old son and my son who wasn't even full term. We never know. Say I love you. Tell people you care. Even better, SHOW people you care. Smile. Give hugs. Bring someone a coffee or chocolate if you know they're having a rough day. It doesn't hurt you at all, and it will brighten someone else's day.
Finally, take the time for YOU. Sometimes you need a moment...or a day...or a week...take it. Get the massage you've been talking about for months. Treat yourself to a nice dinner. Allow yourself to sit in the sunshine and simply be. Take a break from taking care of everyone else and be sure to take care of you.
It may be a rough ride, but I know you can do it. No matter what life throws at you, keep on keeping on. Don't lose hope...don't lose faith. One day your dreams WILL become your reality. One day you will understand what ever trial and tribulation was for. Maybe not until you've passed from this world, but someday it will all make sense. We've made it this far...there's no telling what we can do from here!
Lots of love,
Current Erin
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