Thursday, September 13, 2012
Dear Future Self,
As I am sure you remember, you created a 30 before 30 list of some silly things to complete before you turned 30. It was an amazing experience, and the love and support from everyone along this journey was beyond. On that list was a letter to your future self, so I will tell you at this point how my 20's were and my lessons and values learned. You might roll your eyes and laugh at your thought process, in your let’s say late 20’s early 30’s! haha
I am not sure if my advice to you is going to be useful by the time you read this, but the best words anyone has ever spoken to me were “You control your life”. As soon as I heard those words something clicked. How true they are. I am my journey, my decisions and actions have outcomes, which could make or break me. I hope you steer this ship in the right direction and down the right path, and look back on your years and the journey of life with a smile and many stories to tell.
I think you know already, but life throws you curve balls and puts many speed bumps in your way. These are all strategically placed to keep you on your toes. From what I can recall up until now, nothing has ever stood in my way. I was known to have a….let’s call it a “Strong Attitude and Personality”. Yes that is what it was. I also learned along the road that sometimes it is best to bite your tongue, no matter how hard it is. This is a lesson I have learned the hard way many times, and I am still learning. (In the process of mastering the biting of the tongue)
I have learned to be patient with trust, I always seem to learn that one the hard way too. I now know that it is earned. It is quality which I hope to possess. You need to stay true to yourself before you can stay true to someone else.
Your 20’s were amazing. Two beautiful little girls and the experience of being a mommy is more than words can describe. I am almost looking forward to being old, so I can be a grandmother and experience it all again. Not sure if I am looking forward to the old part? But you are only as old as you feel.
I discovered you can sit and wallow in self-pity when the whole world is against you or you can say enough is enough and start kicking ass and taking names! I have found that ass kicking strength and actually surprised myself of my ability to fight for what I wanted. I think most would describe that aspect as being stubborn!
We all need to learn our own lessons and see true trial and error before we see success. We need the little blunders first hand to really appreciate success in its entirety. As long as we are afraid of failure we will put forth that extra strength and determination for success. For me failure is not an option, it is not failure, rather just little bumps in the road, which build character and allow us to have a story to tell.
My 20’s have also made me realize that without your health, you truly have nothing. I do not want to be a statistic with 5 different co-morbidities and not be able to experience life to the fullest. I kicked bad habits, and found the happy healthy lifestyle. That black cloud, regrets, and extra baggage was instantly released. I found the ability to see things in a different light. Positive thoughts are now the only ones allowed. I look for the good in every situation. Learning lessons and having a story to tell.
I have learned that others look up to you, I never thought in a million years someone would ever look up to me. I inspired others to take control of their life. One thing they don’t know is that they give me the push to continue on this path. I find strength in their ability and reassure myself that I got this one! I have learned (the hard way sometimes) you are held accountable for your actions! People are watching and on PEI opinions are formed quite quickly.
I have stepped out of my comfort zone and it was by far the most amazing experience. I wish only I had done it sooner. My 20’s made me who I am today at 30. I have no regrets, no would have, could have, I wish I did……. I have had struggles and won most of my battles all of which have made me a stronger person. I have met so many wonderful people and I am truly honored to have been given that opportunity. I have realized that from time to time we need help and it is ok to ask or accept offers.
I have learned that getting your sexy back takes time and patience…..Not pretty when your pants split at work with your OLD and I mean OLD Pink Granny Panties play peek-a-boo as you walk. (and my pants splitting, I mean top to bottom wide open!)
I have discovered, if you want something you better be willing and able to work for it. Not everything comes easy. For any advice on this, I would suggest to make sure it is worth fighting for.
I have no ability to bake, this I have learned the hard way many times. I can however cook and that is all that matters to me! J
I discovered the ability to be a leader and step up for any challenge offered or presented. I found the joy of volunteering and seeing how rewarding it is.
I experienced some pretty hard losses of friends and family, all of which have made me realize the importance of family. It has shown me to let go of the past, and to let go of any grudges and forgive without forgetting. I have found my ability to listen and offer an ear to someone in need. I have also learned too that not everyone wants to hear my venting too! haha
I have learned to its ok to cry and the value of a compliment. I have learned to give credit where credit is due. I have discovered the pleasure of “pay it forward”. Good things come to good people.
I discovered child birth was easy peasy! (I didn’t have any experience really? 2 easy c-sections) and I can produce some BIG beautiful babies!! Kailyn Tracy Anne and Ava Jenae Kathleen have made me a better person and taught me the valuable lesson of patience. They continue to “test” my ability. I hope that I can relay some of my discovery and learnings to them as they grow into beautiful women. Rodney has taught me how to be strong, and has shown me what happiness really is.
I am very thankful for my 20’s in teaching me how to live and love. Showing me the value of respect. Learning many lessons, and discovering my abilities. It allowed me to be courageous and shine in the moment. Most of all my 20’s taught me about the woman I want to be. I hope in reading this I turned out just how I hoped. I hope I hang on to some qualities I discovered in my 20’s, and gain new experiences and continue to think outside the box and step out of my comfort zone, after all that is where all the fun is.
Don’t ever be afraid to tell someone you Love them!
Autumn Getson
