Future Self (Reverb10, Day 21)

December 21 – Future Self.

Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?) (Author: Jenny Blake)


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1. Date! Date! Date!

2. Go with your instincts at dance. Fight for the girls who are supposed to be there. But don't ignore the ones who are pissed off all the time- they have a reason. Teach them how to use their emotions to heighten their performance.

3. Aside from taking off time to save your sanity, save up your PTO. The trip to Europe could happen and even if it doesn't, you'll have free staycation time during the two-month period of warm weather in MN.

4. Buy that MacBook. Your seven year old ThinkPad is stifling your creativity.

5. When dance ends, find another freelancing gig, preferably writing-based.

6. Start cooking again. Your three-week stint in October was not a fluke.

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Bonus - 10 years ago:

1. The ballet teacher who squeezes your thighs and clucks hasn't eaten since before you were born. Ignore her and carry on with your carb-loving ways.

2. In fact, keep eating banana chocolate chip muffins for breakfast and lunch daily because that won't always be an option. Don't stop until your pants get too tight, most likely in fall 2006.

3. The guy who flirts with you via AIM and then ignores you in the hallway will come close to failing out of high school. His cold shoulder will bring you closer to the friends you're supposed to have - the ones with A averages, quick wits and bright futures. Stop being so pathetic about it.

4. Despite what your teacher tells you, you will get into college if you drop advanced chemistry in favor of journalism.

5. Before you ask that woman to cornrow your hair for sophomore winter formal, ask yourself, "Is this really a good look for me?"

Double bonus to myself five years ago: No, you shouldn't go to that frat party.