This Blogging 101 post is supposed to be aimed at my dream reader, which I suppose begs the question, who is my dream reader?

In my Wherefore Blog? post, I identified my main audience as me. So… I suppose that means I’m going to be talking (typing?) to myself… This should prove interesting to say the least.

So… if I were to talk to my future self, what would I have to say?

Gah… So much…

Hey you! Yes, you! You’re an amazing person. Why is it so hard for you to remember that?

You remember that time you skipped out on playing World of Warcraft because you thought it would be better to work more, to push that project further? Or that time you didn’t cross-stitch like you told yourself you would?

Yeah, that was the wrong choice and deep down you know it.

You should have taken some time for yourself, and you know it’s true. You know you aught to stop breaking those promises you make to yourself. You know you deserve better than to be lied to, even by yourself. You know you’re better than that.

You know how you get lonely sometimes? It’s ok, because you’re not really alone. Mom, John, Jason, and Lio love you. Most likely more than you’ll ever be able to imagine.

And don’t even get me started on all of the friends you have.

Allison, Warren #1, even Warren #2 thinks you’re pretty awesome since he still wishes he could be with you, Jin, Mark, Nick, Alex thinks you’re so amazing that he wants you to come out to California and work for him, Joshua thought you were awesome enough to want you as a roommate, Sammie and Josh love you and already have plans for you to visit Texas (and you not so secretly want to move out there to be with them) Rob was willing to drive to meet you in North Carolina, Joey wanted you at his wedding, Nasse called to see when he needed to schedule time off of work to hang out with you over the Christmas break when he found out you were coming home, Tre thinks you’re the most amazing person ever, Anthony mentioned you in his speech at graduation (out of all of the people who helped him along the way, out of all of the names he could have spoken, he singled you out most of all), Grace, Tica, Cassondra, Nichole and all of the countless students you’ve helped grow and encouraged, all of the lives you have touched and made a difference in.

Yeah, that was a run on sentence of doom, but that doesn’t even touch the tip of the iceberg. The list of names is literally in the 100s.

You are such an amazingly fantastic person, who legitimately cares about the wellbeing of others. And other people can see that, can feel that from you. You do make a difference in the lives you touch.

You made the 3D Blitz event, which students absolutely love. You’re starting work on a project to improve the break room because you want to do something for your co-workers.

You got the PROPS award for being an outstanding employee. You host the PCC critiques even when it completely messes up your sleep schedule because you want to be there for the students.

You want to make a difference, and you do, everyday.

Even the days when you feel like you have nothing to give. When you’re tired, and grouchy, like today. When if feels like everything sucks, and the world should catch on fire and burn to the ground while you hide under a rock and give zero f#cks.

Yeah, even on those days, you know what? You’re awesome. Because even on those days you give 100% of yourself even though it’s the hardest thing in the world for you to do.

I know how hard it is, because I’m you. I know what you’re going through, and you’re still a bawce, taking care of business and getting shit done.

You don’t give up. You keep going. On everything. You never accept mediocrity. You know you’re capable of greatness and you reach for all of those crazy goals you set for yourself. You set high standards because you know that excellence is a habit. It’s about not being lazy and all about hard work, dedication, and determination.

You know what it takes to be successful, and you take all of the actions you need to see something all the way through.

So what if it takes longer than you thought it would. Did you get there? Did you learn stuff along the way? Did you enjoy the journey? Are you happy with your effort?

Are you happy with you?

If the answer is yes, then forget whatever anyone else thinks.

You know who’s inside of your head with you? Me. I’m the only person inside that head of yours. Not that person talking smack. Let their words be water. Let it roll off of you and stand tall and proud of who you are and what you have done.

Stand behind your choices and stop being so hard on yourself.

Just take a look at some of your blog posts. Look at the vast amount of things you do. Look at how many people you help. From the little things, to the big things.

From the good to the bad, the rewarding to the frustrating. You climb mountains and mole hills alike.

You’ve had bad times. I know, I was there. You have dark days still, and that’s ok. You still have insecurities, and issues to work on. You have character flaws and weaknesses.

But you know what else you have?

You have strengths. You have such an amazing character and personality. You have talents and skills. You have goals and dreams. You have crazy ideas, and creativity, and inspiration. You have guts to not back down from your priorities, values, and morals.

It’s hard sometimes. You carry the burden and pain of independence. Sometimes you have to stand on your own, away from the crowd, and that can be so hard. It can feel cold and alienating. But deep down, you’re being true to yourself. You’re doing the right thing for you.

It’s ok that not everyone understands it. They don’t have to. I understand it. I know where you are coming from, and I know that you are making what you feel is the best choice at the time. You’re doing your best, and no one, not even the Universe, has the right to ask for anything more than that.

You’re doing great.

Are you where you thought you would be at this point in your life?

No. But you know what, you never really knew where you wanted to be to begin with, so you’re right where you supposed to be.

Remember how you wanted to be an accountant? Aren’t you glad you didn’t go down that road? Could you imagine what that would really be like now? Working a 9 to 5 job, everyday, having debits equal credits…

Be happy for all of the twists and turns life has taken so far. Even the not so fun ones. Look at everything you have learned. Look at how much you have grown as a person.

You’re doing so great. You really, truly are. You haven’t failed at anything. The only way you fail is if you give up. And you’re not a quitter.

Keep fighting the good fight, little earth dragon. And know that no matter what, I love you. <3