A Letter to My Future Readers

Dear Reader,

I think about you often as I write my memoir—sometimes too often and if you’ll love me or hate me. But mostly wondering where you are in your life, what struggles you might be facing, what dreams you’ve tucked away, or maybe given up on. And what I should fill my pages with that will inspire and entertain you just when you need them most.

When you read my book I want you to remember that you are in control of your life and you have the power to choose differently and live differently. You don’t have to stay in the small town you grew up in if it doesn’t feel like home anymore. You can walk away from expectations others placed on you—whether that’s your family, your community, or even yourself. You can leave the church that’s shaped your identity if it no longer aligns with who you are. You can stop living for others and start living for yourself.

I want you to realize that you don’t have to live a life of constant hustle and struggle to prove your worth. You don’t have to be busy to be worthy. You can be soft and powerful. I hope you will see that you can face challenges and hard times, but you will also see that you can make it through and you will realize it was worth it and you might even make it mean something.

For now I encourage you to find a few simple things in life that bring you joy and make space for them in your life. Give a gift to your future self every day. It doesn’t have to be grand, it might be as simple as meal prepping for tomorrow, tidying up your space, going for a walk, meditating or journaling your thoughts. It could also be BIG: starting that business you’ve always dreamed of, moving to a city that lights you up, learning a new language or taking the leap to finally pursue what you love. Whatever it is, ask yourself: “What’s one thing I can do today—right now—for my future self?” Because even if it’s a big thing, it’s going to take a lot of smaller steps to get there. The only thing you need is to take that first step, however small or scary it might seem, toward the life you dream of.

Choose yourself—always. What choice will your future self look back on today and thank you for?

I know it’s not easy and I know life is absolute shit sometimes. But I also know it’s worth getting up and getting yourself through it.

Cheering you on!
Stefanie