It’s day three of Princess Lasertron’s Radvent 2010 blogging project, and today we’re focusing on writing.

 

Radvent 2010 - tasks for Day 3

[Source: Princess Lasertron]

Write a letter of love to yourself to read in one year.

Dear Bec,

Face it: you are totally cool.  And you’re totally awesome. Being that was just two compliments bestowed upon you, I know that if you could blush, you would do so right now. So go on and be your awkward, bashful self in the face of praise, but make sure you accept the gift of praise when you receive it.  Particularly from others. They are doing something nice for you when they say thanks for your hard work, or that your crafty work is awesome etc.  And I know deep down you really enjoy hearing that you’re doing something right, and that someone has noticed. They wouldn’t say it if you didn’t deserve it.

I love how, with each passing year, you get more comfortable in your own skin. Knowing what I know and what you know, it’s getting easier to be you.  And that’s wonderful news! There will still be times when you feel as invisible, incredibly awkward and green as you did at 15. It’s just the way it is, and sometimes a reality check works in your favour. This awkwardness is a common theme with you and I think you should embrace it — people are obsessed with turning back the clock, and you get to do this on a daily basis!

Even though you still focus on the uncertainty of your character and the weight of ‘stuff’ (like where you’re heading, what you are doing and what you want), it is wise to be so. The American balances you so well, and in a world with infinite possibilities (and in a life and a mind that rejects structure), you find yourself yearning for more structure. It’s a nice change from your freewheeling nature of the past decade, and I know you’re interested to see where structure, discipline and planning take you. Your new job in the DA’s Office will whip you in shape and provide you with a great challenge. I know how excited you are about it and I’m excited for you.

I think it’s marvellous the way you’re really starting to accept and participate in the concept of ‘holidays’. It has been years since you really put forth any effort, and your memories and experiences have suffered for it. So harness that desire to make the holidays a memorable occasion, even if things are still rather low-key and don’t turn out as planned. We can’t all have the bandwidth, time or resources that Martha Stewart does to make her tables look like this:

 

[ Source: Martha Stewart]

And that’s okay. That’s not what the holidays are about for you (and don’t forget, Martha pays people to make her tables look like that…). It’s more about making an effort to separate it from every other day of your life. So don’t worry about what the super-low-key American says about not bothering — just go ahead and do what you want to make the day feel special. He will appreciate it even though he says he won’t 😉

Remember how great it is when you are alone and tending to your own needs? Be it writing, curling up with a good book, creating, or simply singing along to your favourite songs when you’re in the bath. It’s bliss, but it’s also necessary. I encourage you to do more for yourself and take better care of your own body than you have been. Sacrificing the self for the good of others is an inherently female trait, and it’s certainly ingrained in you. So let’s make a compromise: before someone asks you for something, just pause. Consider it for a few seconds, and then respond. It’s okay to say no.

[Source: Martha Stewart]

I love your offbeat sense of humour, and your enthusiasm for new projects. I understand the struggles you have in keeping old projects going when motivation and inspiration has waned. Your talent lies in starting new things, and in revamping old ones: knowing what you’re good at is half the battle. So let’s get this crafty business ramped up and manufacturing things in 2011. How bout it?

Also, I really think you should make more of an effort to learn musical instruments. It’s never too late to gain enjoyment from such experiences, but you have to be prepared to work at it. A little each day and it can open up new worlds for you. Anytime you feel that paralysing fear of being heard when you sing, banish it! You’ve got a good voice and you’re holding yourself back. You and the American harmonize so well — I think you might well be on to something…

So just keep being yourself. You are offbeat and interesting, and there’s certainly not another person like you out there even if people think they recognise you. Your features are common, but your soul is not. Feign the confidence, the control until you have it; like they say, “Fake it till you make it”. Look how far it has gotten you already, miss! I’m very impressed.

From the 16-year-old version of yourself who returned home from a school trip and declared to your Mum, “I love San Francisco and I want to live there!” — and you are. You have achieved a dream, and overcome the infinite hurdles to do so. Well done! Now, what’s the next one? Take some time to reevaluate your goals.

Keep rising to the occasion and searching for your true passions.  Keep being inspired to create, keep challenging conventions, and keep your heart and mind open. There’s so much more to experience and to create, and you will become a better version of yourself with every revision.

You are amazing and I am so glad that we’re friends.

Heart,

me