Letter to Yourself

A server at James's work who is also a college student told James about an interesting assignment she was given.  She was told to write a letter to herself 5 years ago.  What would you tell your self of 5 years ago?  What kind of encouragement or reassurance would you give her without giving too much away about the future?  James thought this was really interesting, and actually did the assignment on his own.  He brought home the letters he wrote to his younger selves and shared them with me.  He actually continued the assignment and wrote to his 18 year old and 13 year old self as well.  I thought this was really interesting to think about, so I'm going to write a few thoughts down here.

To 23 year old Megan:
- "They" weren't kidding when they say that the first year of marriage is the hardest.  Combine that with the stress of your second year of medical school and marriage is HARD!!  You and James are strong.  The trials you are going through now are helping build a great foundation for a lifetime of happiness together.  In 5 years you'll be the happiest you have ever been in your life.
-Medical school is hard.  So is residency.  I can't really sugar coat that, but know that there IS a light at the end of the tunnel and all your hard work will pay off.
- While you think Des Moines is temporary, you should learn to love it.  Explore. Have fun.  Make friends.  You'll be here longer than you think and will miss it when it's time to leave!

To 18 year old Megan:
- By now you've figured out that this sweet boy from high school is different from all the other boys you have met in college.  Yeah... I'd hold onto that one.  He's a keeper.
- I know right now school is hard: you've gone from being in the top of all your classes in high school to being in a class of 200 biology majors who were all in the top of their classes in high school.  Don't get discouraged.  Keep up your hard work.  Listen to Dad when he tells you to follow your dreams and not to settle for anything less.
- Great job on pledging Kappa Delta sorority.  You form some lifelong friendships, Kappa Delta turns you into a leader, and role models within the sorority help you succeed academically and give you a blueprint on how to achieve your goals.  On the other hand, don't forget your other friendships.  Your best friend from college is an independent.


To 13 year old Megan:
- Be nicer to your sisters and your mom.  One day they'll become your best friends.
- Don't get too mad when in a few years Mom and Dad refuse to pay for private driver's ed lessons and make you take it at Barrington High School.  You meet a pretty nice boy in second hour driver's ed class....

What will 33 year old Megan have to say to me?  What kinds of changes will come in the next 5 years?  I already know that the next 6 months are bringing a new town, new house, and new job.  I can't wait to see what the next 5 years have in store.