Last year, I wrote of clear idealism. This year, probably moving on.

Future Self. Imagine yourself five years from now. What advice would you give your current self for the year ahead? (Bonus: Write a note to yourself 10 years ago. What would you tell your younger self?)

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Dear Jenn of 2016,

Keep moving. As you and I both know, our biggest regrets are when we did nothing. Fear is seizes us too easily and causes us to fall in stagnation. Express yourself and your needs…and it will be ok.

Let others take responsibility for their own actions and emotions. If they disappoint you, that’s really their problem. If you have made your boundaries clear, then they know already and then you can decide from there.

Be wary of those who don’t know how to communicate clearly. Mixed messages are a waste of time.

Most importantly, never trust anybody who does not love music.

Jenn

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Dear Jenn of 2001,

That two boys whose names start with Al- were not worth it. You have higher standards than them.

Also, remember to write a lot. You have so much unharnessed creative potential that you don’t know that you have.

Jenn