Today, Reader, I’d like to talk about something that I thought I’d try doing and how it led me to write the three most awkward words I’ve written in a long time.
In the ongoing work to improve my overall Happiness, I started writing little “Thank You” notes to my Past Self.
It started out – and still continues to incorporate – the little things:
Thanks for cleaning the coffee maker last night.
Thanks for doing the dishes, that was very helpful, and it made this morning much easier.
Then it moved onto larger things:
Thanks for sticking to an earlier bedtime, even though you really wanted to stay up.
Thanks for turning down that snack right before bed. I know that was difficult.
Stuff like that.
I do that to show appreciation for my Past Self. To acknowledge sacrifices when made, to shout out about accomplishments, to remind myself of the good things.
Then, one day, I impulsively signed off the note, like I was writing an actual letter (Which I was), to a real person (Which, again, I was) and I used those awkward words:
Love you, Brother.
Even now, after a week and some change, that still strikes me as unusual to write. Back then, it nearly brought me to a halt.
And that’s a problem.
Dubious?
Try this (Go Ahead, I’ll wait): Go find a mirror. Any mirror large enough for you to see your entire face will do. Look your reflection in the eye and say, out loud, “I Love You.”
Mean it.
How’d that feel?
If you’re anything like me, the first time you did it, you felt a little uncomfortable, maybe a little bit silly.
Here’s what’s silly:
It should *Never* be difficult to tell yourself that you Love you.
I think–no, I *Know* that we don’t do this nearly as often as we should.
I know I don’t express that kind of affection for myself nearly as much as I should – and I mean to change that.
Every day, as I finish up my to-do list (Love me a good list), I am going to continue to write notes of appreciation to my Past Self, and to sign off with those words that are, even now, becoming easier to write.
Love You, Brother.
Take the time to tell one of the most important people in your life how you feel about them. You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks for reading. Be safe out there. Be Excellent to Each other – and yourself.
I’ll see you on Thursday.
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