Back to the Future - Forward to the Past

 Why must I get so deep today?  Because the #reverb10 project has requested that I do some self-reflection with today's prompt:

December 21 - Future self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)  (Author:  Jenny Blake):

Five years from now?  My first thought is that I hope I am around. My second thought is that I will be the big 5-0, and, no, I don't mean Hawaii (although I guess I'd like to see it some day).  Other than the age and the question of whether I will be on this earth I would envision that I am financially secure in my chosen profession as a writer.  Although I may be an empty-nester at that point I would have a sense of satisfaction that my boys are eagerly pursuing their education and chosen fields of interest.  I can visualize myself in the midst of writing my fourth novel from my private office in my beach house with the panoramic ocean views.

When I am at this point five years from now I would impart these words of wisdom to my current self for the year 2011:  WRITE, WRITE, WRITE!  Get off your ass, stop making excuses, and just do it already.

Ten years ago I was 35.  My kids were four and eight and one half respectively.  If I could go back and impart some wisdom to my younger self it would be this, 

"Live each day as if it were your last; treat your body with respect; your health is the most important thing so take care of YOU; get the most out of life that you can; live in the moment; enjoy every trial and triumph;  stop putting off what you can do today; YOU have more power and control of your future than you realize; be positive; visualize your ideal future; and, finally, appreciate the power of your mind!".

Come to think of it, everyone needs a little pep talk now and then.  Who says I can't listen to my own words of encouragement?  I better start practicing what I am preaching!