A letter from Nov 14, 2024

Darling, I am so excited for you to read this. Sorry I slacked for a while but I am trying to revive this time-portal-by-letter tradition. If the letter from September 2015 didn't arrive, go seek it out! I assume it will be worth it because I (Cindy of November 2024), still remember with how much emotion I wrote that letter with. I have slacked on our letters - but I think more because of good than bad (birthday travels), but I am really eager to reignite the tradition. Firstly, I love you. I truly do. When I sit and write these letters it makes me think of the journey we have taken since we started these letters in 2015 (an entire decade ago!!). The small steps look like nothing but when you turn back a significant part of the mountain has been scaled! Life is still a work in progress but we are progressing, and for that - despite the fact that I berate myself more than praise - makes me really proud of you. To the juice! Lol it's literally not that exciting But since the last letter (sent 2021), there have been developments different to what 2021 me imagined, and from that aspect, this letter becomes juicy. I moved to Scotland and am loving it! The pace of life is much slower than SA which I enjoy and I am actually feeling settled into this life. But - cue contradictory statement - I came here for audit which I still don't like (who would've guessed?) and so I don't know how happy I can be. Taking stock of where we are in 2024: Still embracing my single season while all 100 of my "types" continue to not like me (love will come when it is meant to). But I finally have a social circle where I feel like I am in the circle and not a spectator on the side? I am not terrified of my own shadow and even take solo trips? Girl you have blossomed! I still struggle with feelings of unworthiness and that I am utterly useless but I am working on it. The mental health is also more shaky than it needs to be (again, working on it) Started Bearly Painted in October 2024 (please tell me it is a multi-million pound company lol) But on to the positive list since to stop the dwelling on the negative I have travelled to 17 countries (as at Nov 2024) I am happier than I have been Spiritually I am closer to God than I was previously I am not as scared to try new things. Despite this detour through Scotland, I think Canada (Quebec) is still in the plans. There is a halt right now by immigration but by the time you read this I will be on my way to PR? For someone who doesn't like change you sure do enjoy making plans to uproot your life! But I am hoping not being tied to a job will help me discover myself? ALSO I don't think any version of the past me saw the woman I am now being a reality but it is definitely more amazement than disappointment. Remember the girl who never imagined herself living in another country? She's struggling to breathe from shock. The one who desperately needed the umbilical cord with her parents? In disbelief about the independent life you are living. I know you hate words of affirmation but wow I honestly love you so much. The fact that you have made it so far with your mental state treading water the last decade? Astonishing. I don't know what to say other than relax, don't think about your current troubles and just remember that current you is in a place past you only dreamt of. I have no idea what's next but I'm sure it's only up from here. I understand it can be so hard to see yourself at 30, 40, 50,etc, but a couple of years ago we didn't see ourselves in 2025. And here you are. Alive and well. I know a lot of times you don't love yourself but I love you. I only want the best for you. Some things to reflect on.. What is your mental state like? What are your finances like? What is your social life like? What is your career life like? How do you feel about your physical health? How do you feel about your spiritual life? How do you feel about your love life? How do you feel about your physical environment? How do you feel about your current hobbies? Do we have any alternative income streams and how do you feel about the response to that? Send my love to Cindy of 2026. Oh also Happy Birthday!!! Just a couple years now till you’re a fossil. All my love, Cindy of 2024