Dear 2023 You

Feb 1

Dear 2023 You,

I hope you’re happy. And on the days where happiness feels like a far off dream, I hope you remember that it’s closer in reach than you think. That it’s right around the corner, where everything else that you’ve dreamt of is waiting for you.

I hope you work hard - not just in the capitalistic sense, but towards the dreams you’ve silently held onto since you were small. I hope you remember that no dream is too big, too outrageous, or unrealistic. It’ll always feel as though almost everything in life is unrealistic. Anything can become your reality.

I hope you’ve mastered the art of letting go. You’ve gotten better at this within the last year, but remember that - as annoying as it is - whatever is meant for you will come to you. It’ll stay around, because it wants to. Whatever isn’t, will come and go (sometimes easily, sometimes with tension). Even though it’s hard, some bits of life are meant to be lessons and nothing more. Take note, sit with the lessons, and move on. Don’t hold onto anything longer than you need to. Breathe in, breathe out.

I hope you remember to take care of yourself. I know, it seems like a burden on the days where everything feels a bit heavier than you’re used to. Especially on these days, remember to hold on to the things that make you feel like you, in whatever shape or form. Move your body, nourish your body, and rest your body. Everything will fall into place. It always does.

I hope you would always rather be respected than liked. If people respect you, they’ll treat you right. They’ll love you in the ways you wish - and need - to be loved. Your boundaries won’t be crossed. You’ll be held in high regard for who you are, rather than how you fit as a piece in the puzzle of someone else’s life. In the same breath, I hope you learn and value the importance of consistency, and the necessity of actions matching words. If they don’t, leave. Within it all, I hope you remember to stay soft, and don’t allow the coldness to harden you.

I hope you never stop learning. Continue to grow, in all the ways you can. Take in as many perspectives as you can and don’t be wary of changing your opinion. Feel the freedom within your art, even if imposter syndrome or the opinions of others seems to trickle in. Watch more, write more, and always, always, always, read more.

I hope you release the cringe and allow yourself to be free. Nothing matters anyways, so who cares?

Lastly, I hope you know how loved you are. If you begin looking for it elsewhere, remember that you already have it. It’s deep within you.

Reads:

The How by Yrsa Daley-Ward: Poetic, beautiful notes on how to live a life that is intentional and meaningful to *you*. Yrsa succinctly reminded me how lucky we are within the mundane moments of life, and how important it is to remember that when we step back, it really is all that simple.

Tastemakers by Mayukh Sen: Immigrant women and their impact on America’s food culture. Need I say more?! This book opened my eyes to wonderful, inspiring women who have shaped how we view and consume food in the states. Loved it.

Sista Sister by Candice Brathwaite: Such a warm, honest, and easy read. I wrapped this one up in two days - I absolutely love everything Candice writes about and speaks about. It’s as if your older sister is telling you everything she’s learned about life.

Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton: When I tell you I don’t want this book to end...I’m over halfway through and I know it’ll be a top read of 2023. Similar to Candice, Dolly has a natural flair that feels like you’re sitting with her at a bar, chatting about everything (and I mean everything) within life. As you can see there’s been a consistent theme here - I’ve been loving books by women that make me feel alone in this crazy thing we call life. It’s comforting to read the words from individuals who have experienced everything that you have, and more.

Listen: