Back in 2004, I was given an interesting challenge, to imagine my self 10 years hence giving advice to myself in the present. What would 10-years-the wiser Dirk have to say to 51-year-old Dirk? Now I'm over half the way there. Have I heeded this advice? Here's what I wrote to myself from the future (June 14, 2014):

"Take risks.

"Be ruthlessly honest with yourself. Really try to understand what you're feeling and wanting. And don't be afraid of being naked and vulnerable with others; don't fear their response, because authenticity is absolutely worth it, and their response is simply that–their response. Connect more with people. Offer yourself in friendship and allow others the chance to do the same for you.

"Love yourself much more extravagantly than you now do. Keep at loving yourself, which means following dreams, following your heart.

"Keep up the exercising. I am you, at 61, and you have no idea the difference what you are doing now has made in my life at 61. Thank you…and keep it up.

"This is important: most of your fears are unfounded. Yes, most of them, like looking foolish in front of others, like not being able to find another job if you left your current position, like not finding love. Stop being afraid, and instead, embrace life and opportunity.

"Trust your intuition: you've only begun to understand its depth and power. Keep flexing it, like a muscle; continue testing it by naming what you intuit. Trust instinct–yours is a particularly strong one, so hone it.

"Don't wait: this is the moment. Be in it and savor it. Observe. Be aware. The clouds, the birds singing, the red of the geranium and the pink of the petunias, the breeze sighing softly over Callie and me, the way her eyes look when she faces into the setting sun–golden, like two polished gem-stones…tiger eyes.

"Please yourself. Don't settle. Stop settling.

"Believe what people tell you about yourself. Say 'Thank you' and embrace it. Don't discount it; let it be a reason to celebrate and turn outward with the gifts you have for others.

"Keep adjusting, as you are, to aging. Don't fear it. Life is amazing at 61, just like it was at 41 and is now, for you, at 51. For every thing you are asked to give up, you have a multitude of choices to fill the gap.

"Take nothing for granted; receive all things with gratitude."

And at that, my 61-year-old self retreated into future haze. I was alone again with Callie.

Text and image © 2010 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.