Letter to a future me

Dear Sharon, 

Wherever you are right now, I hope you are in a better place. I am writing to you in the year 2021. I have been working from home for the past one year due to the pandemic. I have always envisioned the day when I can work from the comfort of my own home, and this vision/dream has come to pass. I would imagine things would be different for you now, no? I doubt we would go back to the past when we are so used to travelling to an office and work from 8.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. What is the new normal like for you, 5 years later?

Even though we are confined to the four walls of our own home and travelling is restricted, I felt that I have accomplished a lot more during this season. Before Covid-19 hits, I pride my achievements in terms of the places I have travelled and the distances I have hiked. For example, if people asked, what is my greatest achievement, I would tell them that I had spent 7 days hiking the Tour Du Mont Blanc trail. If you ask my what is my greatest achievement now, I would say it is more intangible than tangible. For example, I would say that I have spent more time with people, and simply enjoying their presence. There is more time for introspection, and I have picked up cooking along the way. 

However, not everything that comes out of this season is good. I have picked up bad habits along the way. I spent more time on social media sites, browsing endless videos and articles. While I saved money from travelling, I have spent more money on online shopping, buying items that are good to have but are not necessary. I watched more Netflix and Disney+ movies. I did all these because there is now more time, but I do not necessarily know what to do with all these extra time. I spent more time working, doing my assignments for my masters degree, browsed more social media, and watched a lot of TV. The sums just don’t add up and I do not know where did all these extra time came from.

My hope for you is that you would know how to spend your time more wisely, and using the limited time we have on this earth to truly make an impact in the lives of others. You would be more discerning and exercised more discipline in your spending and your social media browsing activity. You would also lead projects that can make an impact in the lives of your students. I hope you will still be an educator by then. If not, what else would you be? Will you be working towards your Ed.D too? I certainly hope so. Never forget the dreams and visions that you have, no matter the circumstances in your life.

*This letter will also be posted to futureme.org, to be sent back to myself 5 years later.