Last week, I received a letter in the mail with familiar handwriting on the envelope. It was my own. I vaguely remembered writing a letter to myself last year while sailing back to Argentina from Antarctica. Writing a letter to yourself is an activity that is often found in many programs ranging from summer camps to personal development seminars. It helps to put things in perspective and to reflect on where you have come from and where you have gone.
As I unfolded the sheet of paper inside, a $20 bill fell out. I have been writing letters to myself for about 10 years and each time, I enclose some money. You often forget about the letter and when you have $20 randomly arrive in your mailbox amidst all the bills, it's something to make you smile.
Dear Jason,
You are currently going across the Drake Passage and trying hard not to be sick. But this is all part of the epic adventure, right? The trials and tribulations that must be endured and suffered before the great reward may be found. I went to Antarctica and lost many material things. About the only thing I did find was myself. I found myself not so cynical and and reinspired about what is possible in this world. As I stood gazing over the Antarctic wilderness, I felt part of something. More connected to the Earth than I have been before. This was a reminder that anything is possible. That dreams count for something and that if you only hold onto them, they may one day be fulfilled.
The universe conspires with us to unite us with our innermost desires.
What's next? Biking across Canada. By the time I receive this letter, I want to have biked across Canada and fulfilled another dream. I've met some truly amazing people on this expedition. People both young and hold who are passionate about what they do and refuse to accept the status quo. Crazy people who believe they can change the world, because they will.
Remember the feelings you experienced. How, at times, you were moved to tears by the sheer beauty of everything. The beauty of Antarctica, of people, and of life itself.
What is the value of dreamers? Those whose heads are not in this world, but one that exists only in their minds. A vision of something better. They see possibilities. The world is one to shape and change, not simply a place to live, make money, and die. It's time to reassess my life dreams and never to give up on them.
Continue to teach. Get that PhD one day. Start something big. Something influential. Write a book. Live. Love. Laugh.
Live long. Love deeply. Laugh loudly.
Take Care.