A letter from the past

Dear FutureMe, As you read this, you're nearing the end of a journey that has tested your strength, patience, and perseverance in ways that feel deeply familiar. You remember the challenges—the hyperemesis, the overwhelming fatigue, the feeling of being trapped in a body that wouldn’t let you live life fully. But this time, there’s a shift in you. You’re not just surviving; you’re on the verge of receiving the life you’ve always wanted. Look around you. You are days away from welcoming your second child, another beautiful soul to love, to nurture, and to add to the warmth of your family. Archie is growing up so fast, and soon he will meet his sibling—the perfect companion, his partner in adventure and mischief. You’ve given him a lifelong friend, and the connection between them will be one of the greatest joys of your life. It’s a house full of energy, love, and laughter—just as you always imagined. Yes, the days have been long and hard, but think about what you've accomplished, both personally and professionally. You’ve continued to be a leader, a strategist, even through the difficult times. You’ve seen projects through, collaborated with amazing people and made an impact that will last. You’ve built a strong team, one that supports you as much as you support them, and you've learned to lean on them in the best ways. Your life is now a beautiful blend of the family you’ve always dreamed of and the work you’ve passionately invested in. You’re nearing the end of work for a while, and it’s a new chapter—one where you get to fully embrace being a mother of two. Tom is right by your side, your anchor, your partner in all things. You’ve created a relationship that is strong and filled with love, even during the moments when things felt difficult. And with Tom traveling so much for work, you’ve grown to appreciate your time together even more deeply. You’ve made him feel loved and needed, and together you are creating a home that radiates stability, joy, and love. I know you’ve thought a lot about how this pregnancy might bring back the fear of darkness, of not being able to function the way you want to, of being overwhelmed by it all. But now, as you near the end, look at how far you've come. You’ve faced the worst of it, and you’re still standing. Stronger, wiser, and more resilient. You know now that even in the hardest moments, you are capable of so much more than you give yourself credit for. And imagine what’s next. You’ll be stepping into a future filled with so much joy. A future where you’ll be able to love and raise two incredible children, to watch them grow and become their own people. Picture the small moments: the sleepy cuddles in the morning, the laughter filling the house as Archie plays with his sibling, the quiet moments of pride as you watch them discover the world. Professionally, you’ve laid a foundation that will support your family while you take the time you need for yourself. You’ve created processes which will continue to grow even when you step back. You’ve trusted your team, especially your new hires, to keep things moving and they have, allowing you to focus on what truly matters. Even when it feels tough, remember the future you're creating. The life with two beautiful children who look to you with love and trust. The life with Tom by your side, a partnership that is growing deeper and richer with every passing day. The home you’re building, remodeled to be the perfect sanctuary for your family. And the career that continues to thrive, even as you balance motherhood with everything else. This is what you’ve always wanted. It’s here now. You’ve achieved it through your grit, your wisdom, and your unyielding strength. And when you finally hold your second child in your arms, every sacrifice, every hard day, will make sense. You’ll know that this—your family, your love, your life—is worth everything. With immense pride and love, Your Past Self