Dear Hunger,
We’re quite a pair, aren’t we? You are the reason I’ve never had an eating disorder — or maybe that I border on binge eating disorder at times. You let me know when my body needs nutrients. You inspire me to get into the kitchen and create something delicious every time. You give me an appreciation of food in all its glorious forms.
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Dear Imagination,
Like rest, you can be an elusive creature. I’ll spend days wondering where you’ve disappeared, then other days you’ll come flooding out of my mind like a raging waterfall. You’re very good at helping me dream of so many wonderful ideas. Through you I’ve created stories, recipes, images, websites, plans, essays, and so much more.
Dear Younger Me,
Always smile and find the silver lining in every situation. Trust your instincts. Believe in yourself. Have faith that life will unfold as it should. Know that your path will change at times. Do not fear the future. Life is a beautiful, wonderful gift to enjoy, even when you feel like crying yourself to sleep.
Dear Rest,
These days I feel like I need you most. I don’t always get to enjoy you, but when I do, it’s the best feeling in the world. I lay my body in the hammock or on the bed, and I let you come to me. My muscles loosen, my breath slows down, and the day’s troubles begin to drift away. I shut my eyes and let them recover from overuse. Some days I wake up and feel like I haven’t gotten enough of you, but once in a while I get my fill of you.
Dear Books,
Oh, what glorious creatures you are indeed! Some of you are filled with words waiting for me to devour them. Some of you are filled with blank pages begging me to fill you with my own words and thoughts. Some of you have neat lines and space so I can externalize my upcoming days, weeks, and months. Some of you leave plenty of room for my imagination to run wild. I’ve found artists’ books that bring a new life to an old craft. I’ve found classics that harken back to a time when print literature was a novel concept (pun definitely intended). My life would be incomplete without all of you beautiful, wonderful books.
Dear Intuition,
I look to the heavens for you, as if you’re somehow outside of me. Yet I know you’re within, waiting for me to look inward. I sometimes ignore you, trying to use logic and reason instead of trusting you and what I know is true. I find those times that I kick myself for not listening, although I’m learning to trust you more and more as the years pass. You were there for me when my babies were making their grand debuts into the world, guiding me through an ancient process that many woman have experiences before me. You have granted me insight when I need it most, realizing that the answers I seek are usually right there within my core. Sometimes I just need to focus, to find the contrails of the jet, and discover that you’re right there.
Dear Morning,
We don’t always get along. You come too soon at times. You leave me feeling exhausted. Yet sometimes you treat me to rainbow-colored skies, fluffy pink, purple, and orange clouds, and the sweet sounds of singing birds. You bring me velvety coffee and smooth tea. You bring me the first meal of the day. On rare occasions, you even bring me energy after a good night’s sleep. Good morning to you.
Dear Feet,
You carry me everywhere. I’ve been my most used mode of transportation over the last 32+ years. Some days you ache from all the places you take me. Some days I kick you up so you don’t have to ache. Some days I soak you to ease the burden. I’m thankful I have both of you, even if we’re suffering from bunions. Thank you for taking me places!
Dear Love,
Words cannot express the depth you’ve touched my life. I’ve journeyed with the same man for over 15 years, almost 14 of those as a married couple. Three beautiful children have shown me another facet of you. Strong bonds of friendship. Sweet furry creatures who’ve left pawprints on my heart. So many things in life exude LOVE.
Dear Home,
As of yesterday, you’ve been my humble abode for 4 years. We’ve seen some great times and some awful times. We’ve seen neighbors come and go. We’ve outlasted an owner and a bank ownership. You’ve been my sanctuary at the end of a long day, a place to rest my weary head and prepare myself for the coming days. At times you may have felt like a prison, but you’ve seen so many holidays and birthdays that I couldn’t feel that way anymore. Some fresh paint, a lot of decluttering, and a bit of decorating will revive you. Thank you for being my place.
