A letter from Dec 29, 2025

Dear FutureMe, I am writing this to you from a moment that feels a bit aimless, perhaps even a little uncertain. But as I’ve been reminded today, transformation starts from within, just like the change that came to Smerensburg. The Person I Am Becoming In two years, I hope you haven’t just checked boxes or reached milestones. Instead, I hope you have cultivated a spirit of patience and resilience. I want to be someone who listens more than they speak and who approaches every challenge with a sense of curiosity rather than fear. I am working now to choose kindness over being "right" and to find peace in the quiet moments. Values and Attitudes I hope you still hold onto the belief that small actions matter. I want our "ways of being" to be defined by: Authenticity: Staying true to what feels right, even when it’s the harder path. Openness: Keeping your heart open to new people and perspectives, even if you’ve been hurt before. Presence: Being fully "there" for the people you love. A Reminder of Self-Kindness If things haven't gone exactly as planned over these last two years, please remember to be gentle with yourself. You are a work in progress, and that is okay. My first act of kindness today is acknowledging that I am doing my best—I hope you are doing the same. Take care of our growth, keep breathing, and remember that the most important journey is the one happening inside you. With love and hope, Your Past Self