I
haven't sat down to write in quite a long time, not even a
single post on facebook. My silence hasn't been completely by
choice, just a lack of personal inspiration and yes, desire; it
definitely was time.
Over the last month, I've had a chance to put pen and paper;
I was expecting to write a design column, or even better, a love
letter. Well, scratch off the love letter idea; Cupid's arrow
hasn't flown in my direction for some time.
What I wrote down on that piece of paper was not what I had
intended. The thoughts running through my head were much deeper
than any design column I've ever written, but they did lead
me in the direction of that love letter; apparently a much needed
one to myself.
Dear
Aubree,
Where have you been, and what took away your bright spirit? You
are paralyzed by some self-created fear, but only you can
determine what that fear is. You have lived your life determined
to be "good enough" for everyone; what happened to
being good enough for yourself?
You deeply believe that coming to the aid of others is what God
requires from you; have you ever thought of coming to your own
aid? And always hiding behind that smile, making sure everyone
around you is happy and having them believe that you are too;
with whom do you share the real Aubree, no on. How do you think
that makes your family and friends feel? They want to be there
for you, as you have been for them.
Do you honestly think that if you say "no" to
unrealistic requests or demands, that you will lose the respect
of that person? Well, by always saying "yes" you lost
your self respect. When will you ever give yourself permission to
fail at something? The price you are paying to succeed is costing
you more than any failure ever could. Living a life isolating
yourself from internalized fears is not going to change on its
own. Find the courage to step back into your true self and
"live authentically", as you preach to others. Never
lose faith that love will find you again; but first you have to
be willing to open yourself up to being vulnerable, trust your
heart to lead you.
Lastly, please laugh again, you were always the life of the
party! The strength of laugher is stronger than any medication
you could ever be prescribed.
I miss you!
Love, Aubree.