A letter from July 29th, 2020

Dear Future Me, Happy Birthday Me! This letter was written 6 years ago, in the time of Coronavirus. Maui has had its highest numbers of community spread in recent days as a result of public gathering events, and today (7/29/20), Hawaii had its first day of reporting triple digit new cases. Many things have felt uncertain. This is the year that you were supposed to travel to Phoenix for the wedding of G&L as well as Iceland, which was supposed to be a bucket list trip to see the Northern Lights and a trip with good friends M&M before trying to start a family with C. Both canceled due to COVID. Managing anxiety has proved especially difficult in recent months. Knowing yourself and how anxiety works more does not automatically translate to a less anxious life. Some days/weeks you win, some days/weeks/months you lose. Keep going. As of writing, we are one book shy of this year's reading goal (30 books). I think we'll make it. This is the year that the ***** of George Floyd prompted months of protests and riots, with calls for the removal of Statues, the Confederate Flag, names on buildings, as well as defunding police and reallocating resources. This year has reignited difficult conversations on racism and discrimination, as well as privilege and opportunity. Hopefully these conversations will lead to productive change. On the other hand, it feels like these wars have been fought for centuries with little improvement. Keep going. The job I'm in with COM is fulfilling in many ways, but endlessly frustrating in others. This is an election year, both on the Federal level as well as State and County. I couldn't tell you how many times I've rolled my eyes in the last month when I've read or heard people make political soap box speeches that do not connect with their actual votes or actions. Our system is set up to be a bs popularity contest where everyone agrees topics are issues but no one wants to make the real choices to address the needs. If people spent less time whinging (bonus points to me for using today's Dictionary.com "Word of the Day") and assuming and instead spent a little more time listening and asking questions I think we'd all be better for it. That said, I'm working on some exciting things that should help to address those needs and increase efficiencies, I hope they work. I have no idea where you'll be in 6 years. Do you have a kid? Two? Are you still working for COM? Did you figure out what you want to be when you grow up? Have you figured out how to love yourself and prioritize you when needed or desired? Don't forget to drink water, get some exercise, and go to bed early. I hope you're still taking photos. The images I capture are much better now than they were 6 years ago. I hope yours will be better than mine now. And for god sake, eat a **** vegetable. J