Dear Future Chris,

I saw that a friend had written a letter to her future self exactly one year ago. It intrigued and inspired me. I was curious what I might say to the future version of myself. It's a way of forecasting and visualizing who you want to be in the future. Our thoughts speak to us everyday.. What do you say to yourself? Who knew introspection and writing to yourself could be so therapeutic?

Attachment Theory

Two are better than one, 

Because they have a good return for their labor.

If either of them falls down,

one can help the other up.

But pity if anyone falls
and has no one to help them up.

Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?

Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.

A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."

-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

>> If you''d like to learn more about the psychology of relationships here's my recommended playlist  

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlWGe3qgcF7yMja1eGWd-wweaZ9q-luWc

Youtube has been my teacher lately. I found so much useful information. It's kinda been mind-blowing..seriously hours of pure relational education I wish I knew before. I'm like "Whoa! This makes so much sense!" I really recommend learning about all the different dynamics that make a healthy relationship. 

Dating and relationships are fun, but it also requires a lot of work. It reveals areas of insecurity and places within ourselves where we need to confront ourselves and grow in self-improvement.  We can get caught up looking for the right person, rather than becoming the right person. Would you date you?  << woah..

But yeah these youtube videos are so educational! I learned a lot about myself in relational dimensions I never really thought about much. They really motivated me to become better all around.

The better we can understand and know ourselves + others, the more we grow in emotional/ relational intelligence, the better we'll be equipped for family, friendships, marriage and communication with all forms of relationships..

I realize there ain't a soul out there that will watch all these videos but whatever, the option to is there. 

Stoic Philosophy

God has been teaching me lessons on managing and controlling my thoughts + emotions. This is something I will need to continue to practice and work on for the rest of my life.

It’s an idea of stoicism, non-dualism, detachment, surrender, non-judgement, non-resistance, indifference, tolerance, perseverance, self-control, neutrality, having inner stability, peace, and self-confidence.

Letting go is something I have never been good at. I over-analyze excessively from every angle. Yes it makes for a good tactician or strategist that can critically think. But it is not healthy to dwell, ruminate or get fixated on someone or something. We have tens of thousands of thoughts every day. Many can be negative thoughts. We are not to suppress, repress, project, avoid, or look for escape when these thoughts arise. We must practice letting them go.

As much as you wish life played out differently, you must detach from expected outcomes, accept truth and reality and let go of any pain you harbor. Grief is holding on desperately to something lost. Kicking and screaming won't make a difference. Letting go is acknowledging what we can't control, and knowing that God is.

If you can embody and apply it’s principles and concepts it’s actually quite life-changing. What draws me to becoming more stoic is seeing how applicable and relevant it is every day. 

God is Sovereign Over All Things

Things are gonna be ok. 

We’ll be ok.

This applies to all the things we’ve been worrying about. 

God is good all the time.

and all the time God is good.