A letter from the past

Every year after the holidays I write a note to my future self and stick it in the ornament box. Until about March, I remember every detail of what I wrote and figure that I won’t be surprised come December when I open that box again and read my manifesto. But I always forget and come Christmas I am always surprised. What a gift.

 This year when I picked up my note from Past Peyton from the top of the ornaments, I was pleased to see that I had also kept the two prior years in there. It’s fun to go back and read how each holiday unfolded. We so easily forget all of the little wins, don’t we? 

 This year, in fact just a few weeks ago, I had one of the biggest ”wins” in my art career thus far, a story I will be telling soon. And, my partner Peter (pictured above) is on the cusp of releasing his second album with his band Dogwood Pines, which is FANTASTIC. He will be playing shows in the Spring for the album release, and one of his songs is featured in this time lapse video of his painting, which I did as a practice round for the big commission I mentioned earlier. All in all, we have both hit an artistic stride that is simultaneously hard fought and well deserved. Through all of the doubts, dark nights, and perceived failures, we persevered. For every “no” we heard from others, we remained a resounding “yes” for ourselves and for each other. And most importantly, we never gave up on our dreams. We walked each day with faith, albeit mostly of the blind variety, and the tides are finally turning. We are humbled, grateful, and full of joy.

 Here is a snippet of my Christmas letter… I cried when I read it this year. I remember what life was like when I wrote it last winter, and all of the hard work I have done to remember who I really am. I hope it’s message and our stories bring a little bit of light into your life today and everyday forward.

 Dear Future Peyton,

In so many ways, it feels like doors and chapters are closing. For the most part, 2022 was a year of cleaning out the last little dark corners of your soul so that you can finally settle into the comfort of your bodily home and fill those clean, blank walls with all of the things that are authentically YOU. You are softer, wiser, more peaceful, and more hopeful than you were one year ago. I hope that by the time you read this note that trend has continued. 

 In addition to the points from last year, I really only have one thing to add… keep on following your truth. Gracefully, robustly, and unapologetically. This is your only sacred duty.

 With love,

Past Peyton

 May each and every one of you have a blessed and peaceful holiday and New Year. I love you exactly as you are, and I am grateful to have you in my life.