“Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do."

- Brené Brown

Dear Future Self,

Whatever you’re doing right now, stop. Go outside. Enjoy the warmth of the sunshine on your face or dance in the incessant rains. Don’t change a thing. Everything worked out exactly as it should be. All the puzzle pieces fit, all the paths make sense.

Thrive at 55 has arrived. What started as a goal to be debt free by the age of 55 has turned into a complete lifestyle change.

Sit less and move more. Enjoy a diet that’s rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, and healthy fats. Grow gray gracefully. Get enough sleep. Experience freedom from the all-consuming passion to possess.

This year you confronted your inner fears, let go of your inner doubts and embraced your inner strength.

“I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear.” – Rosa Parks

You have given all that you could to your family, your friends, those you care for while taking care of yourself.

Know that you’ve done your best to be the best daughter, despite a constant weight of ‘daughter-guilt’, worry, and trepidation that you carry. You now realize that you are just the daughter your parents need.

Owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we’ll ever do. - Brené Brown

I love how you continue to learn and grow, to never stop contemplating how you can be a better version of yourself, and to help others see what they cannot.

"I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability." - Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Supreme Court Justice

Keep incorporating aloha into your daily life. Remember the sand beneath your toes, the eye candy view of ocean meeting sky, the intoxicating scent of a plumeria, the sun melting your reality away, your ancestors strong, warm embrace ... and just for a moment, breathe and remember that aloha feeling.

Your friendships were important before and now you know and can appreciate the importance of this incredible friend tribe. The crucial support system of women who have become a powerful resource in this life.

May you continue to embrace feeling vulnerable, making connections, investing in relationships, and looking for adventures.

“Never cease to act because you fear you may fail.” - Hawaiian Queen Liliuokalani

I'm excited for you to continue to travel and see places in the world you thought you wouldn’t and make lasting memories with family and friends along the way.

She was an adventurer at heart, but oh she loved drinking this tea from this mug in this chair. Oh how she loved to be home. - Word Porn

Life will always be interesting, crazy, fun, boring, unexpected, expected.

I love you. Shine on.

Aloha, a hui hou.