A Letter from Your Former Self

Do you remember what life looked like three weeks ago?

Just about three weeks ago – on March 12, 2020 – I was sitting on an airplane tarmac in Houston, waiting for my flight back to DC.

The day before, the W.H.O. had just declared the novel Coronavirus a pandemic.

I was in Houston teaching an in-person human-centered design training class (which I now know will be my last one for a long time).

Anyway, I’d spent three days in Texas, and knew enough about Coronavirus to know that I needed to wash my hands a lot, stop touching my face, and take extra Vitamin C. I remember a sneaking suspicion that perhaps my son’s school would close for a few weeks.

But beyond that, I had no idea what was coming.

Social distancing guidelines and lock-down orders, not to mention the loss of months of planned revenue – all that had yet to show up on my radar.

From my seat on that almost-empty airplane, I decided to grab a pen and my journal and write a letter to myself. I can’t say why I felt compelled to do it, but I think maybe even then I had the seed of fear and uncertainty deep within me.

I penned the letter to myself, closed the cover on my journal, and waited for takeoff. Fast forward just a few short weeks, and everything is different.

When I went to open my notebook the other day, I surprised myself with the letter I’d wrote. I guess in the craziness of March, I’d forgotten about the whole thing.

As I re-read it, I was struck by how true and wise I sounded – even though I had no idea what was to come.

I found comfort in the wisdom I managed to conjure up that day.

And so, I thought I’d share it with you, too.

Think of it as a love letter from your previous self.

A reminder of how to be, who to be, and what to do – right now.

I hope you find it as reassuring as I have. And I hope you’re taking care of yourself this week.

Onward,

Dear Me,

This is a crazy, crazy time. The adrenaline and fear that you and many people are feeling is real – and can seem overpowering at times.

I know you’re trying to put on a brave face; to stay calm and trust that the best you can do is put one foot in front of the other. And I know you know that’s really the answer.

But it’s ok to also have worries. To feel nervous about your income. Even feel sad that opportunities you were excited about have now been wiped away.

Now more than ever, the most you can do is be flexible.

Spot opportunities to adapt and pivot.

Give yourself permission to maintain instead of strive.

To say yes even if it’s not perfect.

To keep moving.

But also give yourself permission to slow down. To not push. Just like a winter hibernation period, now does not seem like the time to push, push, push.

Don’t fret about favoring a nap over a workout.

Rest. Drink water. Eat well. Sleep.

Last but not least, don’t try to solve it all now. We can’t know what the rest of this time will look like – we don’t even know what next week will look like. Take it slow, and one day at a time.

You have always been creative, resourceful and whole – and you will remain that way today and in the future.

You’re capable and talented, and you will find your way through this.

Keep being generous and connecting with the people around you as fellow humans.

Keep seeing the good, and using your voice and power when the bad breaks through.

Trust in yourself and the universe. It’s ok to be scared. But don’t let it stop you.

Love, Me