Dear Me 2008

Dear Me,

I have no idea how it's possible but 2008 is really here. I re-read the promises that you made to me last year and was surprised to see that you honored them pretty well. I've been thinking a lot about what we need to do this year and I think I came up with it. Since your mind is organized in that method-to-a-madness fashion, we'll do this in sections.

Friends. I think you are a great friend and am sorry I was hard on you about it. You do the best you can and now we realize who our true friends are. Make sure that those people get the extra attention they deserve.

Kids. You've already started the process of getting them more involved in other activities so they will fight less. You need to be more diligent about saying prayers with them at night, reading bedtime stories, and singing them a song. I know how tired you are but they really do come first and I want you to have less guilt about it. You're a good mom.

Wife. I think this year we need to focus more on giving Michelle the emotional love she needs. It's not always easy for you but it's necessary. After all, you want her to be more attentive but how fair is that if you aren't putting in the same effort. Not preaching, just pointing out something you may not have considered.

Writing. Every year you participate in NaNoWriMo and end up with a novel you can be proud of. Except this year. Work, Renee, and life inhibited your creative juices. I know how much this bothers you. It doesn't matter if no one knows but us. So to rectify this a bit, you are going to work on re-writing the novel or writing a new one. No time limit, no rules, just you and your art. That way when November rolls around again, you can start it knowing that you have no unfinished business.

Family. You've done much better on calling Mom and Shelly more often. I think we should try and step it up just a little though, don't you? Let's plan on calling each of them once per week if we can. And send an e-mail in addition. That way they will both know how loved and missed they are.

And finally, You. This is going to be the best year yet. You are going to spend more time writing and less time watching mindless television shows. You are going to spend more time reading and developing your interests. All those wonderful books on the shelf that are unfortunately collecting dust are screaming to be read and loved by you. I would also like to see you get in better shape. Not thin, mind you. God knows, not thin. Just better shape. All in all, this is the Year of Angie. So we're going to nurture our emotional health by taking deep breaths, taking longer baths, and voicing our opinions, thoughts, and needs. We're going to nurture our physical health by eating better, embracing food in pure forms, and becoming more active. We'll nurture our heart by spreading the love among our friends, family, and household. And we'll nurture our soul by writing, reading, and gaining inspiration.

You really are a beautiful person, Angie. Please be good to yourself. Please stop being so hard on yourself. See your beauty that you keep contained. Don't be afraid to say no. You have a right to your feelings and your thoughts. You have a right to not be compromised. It's going to be an amazing year full of magic and joy. Experience the best of the best and finally live true.

All my love,
Angie