To the version of me reading this,
Take a breath. Seriously – a real one.
Today, we aren’t doing work. We aren’t auditing our habits or planning our next pivot. Today, we are just looking back. I want you to think about a version of yourself from two, five, or maybe ten years ago. Think about the things that version of you was terrified of, the hurdles they thought were mountains, and the “messy bits” they were sure would define them forever.
Now, look at where you are standing.
You survived those mountains. You navigated those fears. From where you are standing today, you can look back at that past version of yourself with so much love and clarity. You can see that they were doing their best with what they had. You don’t judge them for their mess; you celebrate them for their survival.
The Radical Present
The “Wide-Angle Lens” reminds us that right now – today, in this moment – you are the “past version” of a future self who is already rooting for you.
Five years from now, a future version of you is going to look back at this exact day. They are going to look at your current “messy bits” – the unfinished project, the moments of doubt, the parenting struggles, the quiet fears – and they are going to feel that same rush of love. They won’t see a “fail.” They will see the brave, audacious person who kept showing up even when the lens felt blurry.
You Are The Masterpiece in Progress
You deserve to be loved now. Not when the house is perfect, not when the blog is famous, and not when your mental health feels like a finished puzzle. You are worthy of celebration in the middle of the pivot.
So, here is your permission slip to be radically kind to yourself today. Look at your hands, look at your life, and recognize that you are currently building the “good old days” for your future self.
You’ve come so far. And honestly? You’re doing a magnificent job. Don’t just be… Be Fabulous!
Image for graphic by Annie Spratt on Unsplash