I was going through some personal papers yesterday and came across a three page letter that I had written in September of 1992. The letter was addressed to me.
At that time I had hit professional bottom – I was in a dead-end job and was feeling miserable and worthless. What made matters worse was that the project I was working on was stalled and I had too much time on my hands.
On that particular day I decided to take control of my life, so I used the time I had to write myself that letter. In hindsight it was my personal declaration of independence, describing who I was at the time, and more importantly, who I wanted to be and how I was going to get there.
I came up with 8 “rules” that I pledged to follow going forward – a few of which were tough medicine. Here is how I wrote them, word for word:
- Don’t worry about that which you cannot control- 1st tenant to rehab
- Work on those things you can control
- Sometimes, s— happens – get over it and move on
- Don’t give up (life is difficult, remember?)
- Try to take some useful satisfaction over previously trivial matters
- Stay in touch with family and friends – those are the people who can bring you joy and laughter
- Keep smiling – everyone will always wonder what you are up to – rise above it!
- Don’t take life seriously, ’cause no one ever got out of it alive (how soon you forget)
Did I follow these rules and get my “mojo” back? Eventually I did, and when I read my letter again I realize how significant this day, and this piece of paper, was to my recovery.
The last line of my letter said this – “The Best is yet to come – Believe!!”
I did believe. And I still believe.
And you should too – in yourself and the incredible potential of the human spirit.
It’s amazing how things can happen if you just write them down.
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Terry:
Bravo! I felt like I was reading over your shoulders while you re-read that letter.
What a difference time must have made between the day you wrote yourself that letter and today! I see that you felt a sense of gratitude while re-reading that letter!
Wonderful job!
Stephen Hopson
Thanks Stephen for your kind comment. You are absolutely correct about my feelings when I re-read that letter – it was gratitude for having the ability to finally see things that clearly about what I had to do to take control of my life and career. I will never forget that lesson.
PS: Really like your site too – I look forward to future visits.
All the best!
Great post! I just linked to it from Tony’s site.
Thanks Jean for stopping by, and for your kind words – I’m certainly going to check out your site! All the best.
I love you now. Thanks it helped my Mojo
E
Right back at’cha E – glad this was of help to you. Keeping that mojo around is a mighty good thing!
All the best.
I was just looking through some old files and found a copy of this post. I would like to quote a lot of it in a future post on my blog. Could I have your permission? I would give you full credit, of course, say it was used with your permission and that you reserve all rights. I would link to this post.
Thanks.
I included almost all of it in Put It in Writing and linked to this post. Thank you!