Dear January.

It would seem that I do some of my best thinking after a few glasses of Jack & Coke, or at least I do some of my best notebook rambling, writing so freely that I didn't remember writing anything until I woke up a few hours ago with a pen tangled in my hair. This is partly a letter to you, January, and partly a letter to a future version of myself. Bit odd, I know, but I guess this is what whiskey does to me. The first version of my letter to you had some resolutions in it, but I think this one is more important.

As I stumbled up the stairs last night in one fuzzy owl slipper and one penguin sock, spilling my cup of water as the hallway swayed to and fro, I realised that what's really important is being. Being lucky enough to be here, to live this life, with the people who are here with me and the opportunities I have. So we may not live the the best neighbourhood, or have achieved all the things we would have liked to by now. But we are here. And we have so much. Our health, a warm house (apart from the bathroom, but we're saving for that), enough food. Enough everything. We have enough and it's so important that we make the very best of all those things. Being gracious and thankful brings with it so much happiness.

We can be whoever we want to be, and do whatever we want to do. We hold the power to make things happen, providing we don't lose faith in that power. We'll make it through.

A single word has the ability to make someone's day or to shatter their confidence. Always be kinder than is necessary. Do things because they make your heart happy, or proud, or because it will make someone smile. Even if you don't know them. Acts of kindness towards strangers hold their own special magic. Be able to make changes, even if they're difficult, if you know that they feel right. Be open, and honest, and true. Your integrity is worth more than any amount of money. Remember that if criticism hurts it's probably because, at least deep down, you know that whatever that thing is, it doesn't sit in line with your heart and your soul. You hold the power to provoke change.

Be, be aware, be gracious, be true, be kind, be brave.
Be you, always. 

All my love,
Jennie
xoxo