Dear Maia: A Letter to my Future Self
Updated: Aug 5, 2021
Dear Maia,
I would like to start by saying YOU DID IT! In just 18 days, you will be an alumna of THE University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. So even if you do nothing else, at least we can say we accomplished something.
Hopefully, you have continued on to do many more great things. After all, I have big plans for us. I'm looking forward to moving to Paris, France, this summer for graduate school and to start a career in luxury marketing. This is something we've wanted for a long time... Is it all that you thought it would be?
Right now your life is at a crossroads. It’s exciting. It’s frustrating. It’s temporary. I hope you have a few more things figured out by now. But I also hope you still have some questions. Keep asking them.
In honor of starting this new chapter, here are my hopes for us in the years to come.
Find your industry niche.
Paris = possibility. I hope that this move and graduate school provide us with the opportunity to find our passion. Have you found a career path that is both fulfilling emotionally and financially? How have you established yourself in the world? Did we land a job in luxury?
Stay in touch with friends from home and your Tar Heel family #2ndFloorWestForever.
I hope the fulfilling relationships that are in our life now are still a part of your life wherever you are. Frazier's "college buddy weekends" are so special, and I hope you have those too.
Learn to accept the things you cannot change.
Everything that has happened has lead you to this moment. Don’t change a thing. Everything worked out exactly as it should be, so know that the successes, the failures, the heartwarming moments, and the heartbreaks were all worth it. Have no regrets and be grateful for where you are.
Find happiness (whatever that looks like)
A couple of things to remember: You learned how to honor and treat yourself well this year, and how those who honor you will treat you well. Don’t ever settle for the easy way –– just don’t settle ever, period! Life is too short. And remember that this current version of yourself loves you… And that’s not going to change.
Future self, my intention is to bolster you with all the support and love you will need for the next chapter of your life. I hope you feel like you've weathered the storm in ways you didn't think possible and are surprising those around you with your limitless determination.
With lots of (self)love and high hopes,
Maia