A letter from Jul 24, 2023

Dear FutureMe, HAPPY 25TH BIRTHDAY!!! I'm writing this a few weeks after my 24th birthday. It's been a busy few weeks but a quiet six months. I didn't achieve every goal that 23-year-old Aisha set out for us, but it's okay, she doesn't know what she's talking about. ANYWAYS how are you? What's been going on with you? I'm excited to hear what you've been doing no matter what it is. I had a really good day today which I think will bode well for the rest of 24. Although I've been unemployed for the last six months after being laid off from my last job, which I really liked but was not passionate about at all, I've made some moves. I've been accepted onto two creative programmes, attended networking events, volunteered for roles that I'm passionate about and am now going to submit to work on my own short film - something I'd never thought I'd do. I feel like after a rough few years, I'm finally getting over the fear of being myself. When meeting new people, I'm tired of people pleasing and trying to get people to like me. I much prefer being myself, speaking from my chest and being okay if I don't click with someone. Imagine putting all that hard work into pretending to be someone you're not, just for people to still not like you. Crazy. Don't get me wrong, I'm still very much scared and I'm still unlearning old habits that are trapped within myself and older relationships, but I'm working towards stopping them and growing from them. I'm not saying I'm not going to have low moments, because I definitely am, I'm just saying I'm going to stop hiding because I can never hide completely and when people ask what I'm doing, I want to be able to take pride in my answer and not explain how I've given up on my dream for no reasons but have vague plans to go back. So yeah. That's where I'm at. No major life changes, but the mindset change to get me there. If I have one hope for you 25, I hope that you are confident in yourself, maybe not 100% but a lot more than you have been for the past few years. I would say my confidence has only peaked at 70% in early adulthood and I want to get to a solid 95%. We'll see. Let me know. I'm excited for 25. I think she's going to be fun. I don't feel as daunted by that age anymore, because I know whatever age I am, I'll still have my kind, charming, unique, funny personality. No one can take that away from me. I hope 25 is financially responsible because right now I am struggling. It would be great if 25 is able to move out because then she'd really be able to take charge of her life. I hope 25 has or is healing from traumas and not letting them affect her regularly. A goal that you might have forgotten about is that I'd really like to go on a solo trip for my 25th birthday, and I also wanna hold a social gathering. It's possible. and it's not too late if you haven't done it yet. Have fun! Celebrate yourself! There's not too much I want to say to you. Just that you're doing great and I love you. Keep praying. Love me xxx