Rediscovering

Friday, September 15, 2023

My forever friend, Linda, recently moved to CA. While cleaning and rearranging, she happened across letters we had exchanged long ago in the days of snail mail. She re-read them and was excited to find them eager and bright with ideas. That was near my birthday this year, and Linda (big on birthdays) sent a packet of letters from me.

I was pleased and curious about the idealistic, younger me. I set the packet on a table beside my “evening recliner” but never opened it. Yesterday, Linda asked if I had read the letters. I admitted that part of me resists renewing an acquaintance with my long-ago self.

Because of possible issues to consider.

Might I feel disappointed by reminders of “those roads” not traveled? Or, perhaps, how my life has evolved–as hoped for or not? What emotions might accompany revisiting my past? Could those letters make me feel sad?

Through the years, Linda was my primary mentor and encourager. She’d not have kept our correspondence if it had disappointed. Okay, I will trust her and shoulder up. I’ll read and rediscover my earlier self and probably also blog about it.

Interestingly, I shrugged off a similar timidity yesterday by going to Wilco to meet with its stalwart co-manager, Donna. I left Wilco over a year ago and have missed Donna, one of the kindest and most honest individuals I’ve worked for. Plus, here’s a biggie: Donna is a horseperson! We talked, reconnected, and will go horseback riding. What a delight!

The pleasure of acting boldly yesterday helps me muster the courage to read my letters. Okay, Linda, I will this evening. Despite my emotions, I can anticipate fun in traveling down memory lane.

Dear Friends, my complicated brain often confuses the most straightforward choices. Diana