Dear Future Me: Why I Chose Movement Today
Sometimes, life gets so busy that we move through it without thinking about the future. Other times, we get too fixated on the future, worrying about the unknown, forgetting to embrace the current moment.
One of the best therapy or self-healing tools I love using is journaling— especially letter writing. It’s a comfy, safe, and soothing outlet to process my emotions and thoughts. Self-care comes with both sides: internally and externally. Choosing to move my body today is a decision I make, not to change my body, but to support the person I envision myself to become in the future.
So, here is a letter to the version of me who wakes up years from now— the one who will live with the choices I make today.
Dear Future Me,
It’s been almost a year since I started taking my fitness journey seriously and I am proud to say that it has been an amazing and rewarding journey to ride on. Sure, there were days when I didn’t feel like moving and yes, I skipped some workouts from time to time. But I also see myself growing— not just physically, but also internally, for example, the way I think and the way I speak and carry myself.
My spiritual journey started earlier than my fitness one. I was meditating long before I even started hitting the gym, and I’ll forever be grateful that I started meditating, for it keeps me calm, reminds me to be thankful, and to be aware of myself and my surroundings. Meditation might be a small habit, and it takes only 10 minutes of my time every day, but I’ve found its effect on my mood so great that I’ve started to feel odd if I don’t do it.
Movement and wellness have become so important to me— they serve to reconnect with myself, especially when life gets busy. I’ve found comfort in the gym and that will surely shock our past self if she hears that (so let’s keep this between me and you.)
I hope you know that I am not just moving for myself and that I keep you in mind whenever I show up for myself. I hope that whenever you find your way back to this letter, you feel calm, strong, and supported. I hope movement continues to be a soothing and relaxing habit of yours, instead of a chore or a punishment. I hope you are reminded that you are moving for joy— for the inner part of you and not just your external appearance. I hope and trust that movement will continue to be your safe place to slow down, reset, and think clearly of the person you are. And I hope you still remember the part of you who took care of you before even meeting you and that you are proud of her as well.
Reflection Break: Why Movement Matters More Than Motivation
Before we continue reading the letter, let’s take a break and turn the table to you for some small reflection.
We often wait for motivation to start without realizing that the habits we adopt today have the power to shape our future. So, let’s think about it with the following set of questions:
- List 5 habits you have right now (both good and bad)
- Do these habits align with your ideal self? Can you imagine your ideal self with these traits?
- What changes would you make now to better align your habits to match that vision?
Small, consistent movement is the foundation of long-term wellbeing. Moving your body can influence your mood, stress level, confidence, sleep, and focus. When in doubt, ask yourself if your future self will thank you for performing this action now and you’ll find that answer flows naturally to you— because your higher self always knows better.
Let’s return to reading the letter now:
As I stand here today, showing up for you, I’d like to pay tribute and make some promises for you— my future self.
- I promise to move slowly when I’m tired.
- I promise to rest without guilt.
- I promise to choose peace over worry.
- I promise to continue showing up.
Can you think of any promises to make for your future self too?
If future me is reading this someday, I hope you know I moved for you and I rested for you. Showing up today with movement is my gift to you, and I hope you continue passing it forward— for us.
With love and blessings,
Debbie
Quote of the Week:
“True generosity toward the future consists in giving everything to the present.” — Albert Camus
And for you, our beloved readers of this blog: always remember that movement is an act toward your future self, showing up today means showing up for your future self. If you would like, consider writing a letter to your future self too!
