I've always loved my birthday (I mean who doesn't?) It's a whole day dedicated to...well me. I love all the attention and prezzies that come with it. And although for the past 18 years it has always been bitter sweet (because my dad's birthday is 2 days before mine) I still love it.
But this year, for some reason, I have all of a sudden felt the need to reflect. (I guess that comes with aging.) So I found myself thinking of myself 10 years ago, and I wondered what Tasmin of then would say to Tasmin of now... And here I sit writing an open letter to myself....
"Dear Tas,
What's up girl? My how you've grown and changed so much! I am so proud of the woman that you have become. Though who would've guessed we'd end up here? Remember on our 18th birthday how excited we were? We were going to conquer the world. Hell we were going to take over the world!!
Guess things don't always go as planned.
But look at you now, all settled down and what not.
Wow you're a mom now. Who would've thought that party girl, would one day be somebody's mother? And a good one at that!!
And you're a wife?! Well we really never saw that one coming. And still going strong, hats off to you girl. Especially in this world where marraige is not something people strive for any more. You have proved everyone wrong and are doing such a phenomenal job at it too. You go girl!!!
I know that you always believed that friends were such a big part of what made you who you were, but I'm so proud that you have learned that it is not the amount of friends that matter but the one's that are truly there for you (even if you can only count them on one hand.)
I know you've been through a hell of rough ride over the past few years, but look at you handling it like a pro. I always knew you were like a cat, and would always land on your feet no matter what life through at you.
I know you still have some many hopes and dreams (that was always us, head in the clouds, wanting more and striving for more.) Keep at it. Your dreams have always come true, even if it didn't happen at the time you wanted to.
Don't feel sad about getting older. Embrace it. 18 year old Tas didn't even know half the things you do now. (Even if she thought she did.)
Keep embracing life. Try new things, meet new people and explore new avenues. You never know what's waiting behind a close door, unless you open it and see.
I am super proud of where we are today and I just know in another 10 years time we'll look back at this and be even more proud of where we at and what we've done."
XOXO, T
