A letter from October 19th, 2023

Hey there. It’s you from the past. It’s a random day of no particular importance but perhaps it’s better to start writing these letters to the future more often, as was my initial intention. I’m lying on my bed at home in Cape Town. I wonder where you are… Spring has finally begun. And I must say it’s been a very long winter. That’s saying something too since I was actually in Europe for a month, meaning a month less of winter. It was an incredible experience: two weeks in Germany on a study trip, two weeks in London with friends, warm weather, a taste of independence, a glance at a future studying abroad, a small step outside the nest. Despite my month away, it was still a long winter. Spring is my favourite time of year. It’s the beautiful flowers that pop up after months of rain and the comfortable heat that warms you after months of a pale sun. Don’t get me wrong, winter has it’s perks. Every cloud has a silver lining and whatnot. I’m able to noticeably watch the days get longer as each passing sun rises earlier and sets later, ever so slightly. And I have the opportunity of watching the sunrise every morning I can with the best view in the whole of Cape Town. It’s also the season of time spent around the fireplace, and warm drinks like tea, soup. This year has been quite a rollercoaster, I must say. It’s had its ups and downs. Lessons learnt, relationships drifted apart or deepened, experiences gained… the passing of a friend. It took a long time to realise who my true friends are and, although it took me long, I haven’t been this happy in months. I’m sure it’ll be hard to leave it all behind, if you haven’t already. Not sure where you are at the moment. But you’re not really leaving this behind are you? It’ll always be a part of you no matter what. Your friends, your school, your home. Our home. It’s sometimes hard to call it that when I can only wonder how the future will be when I’ve left. Here’s a small reminder to contact the people you may have left in a memory. High school friends, teachers, ballet friends, family, Scouts friends, anyone. And with that I’ll conclude this letter. Life is good. It doesn’t come without its challenges but that’s how we grow. Don’t forget that. I wish you well no matter when you are. Hehe get it? Don’t cringe too much, we are the same person after all. P.S. write something to the next future me!! I’d appreciate it ;)