Informal letter to me

This is a writing experience I am doing for the very first time. It's a writing exercise from a writing suggestion I got from one of my favorite apps. I want to explore talking to myself as if I'm a friend or an advisor. It will feel strange and hilarious at times. Hear me out a bit. It's like an inside view inside my head. I promise to be honest and true.

Venola A Brooks

December 9, 2020

Hello, Venola

First, a big thank you for being here!

Although the pandemic has caused you a lot of grief you hung in there. You made some wise decisions and some not so wise choices. You learned, you grew and although it was hard you made it.

The future is unknown so let's work hard to make the best. For the next year let plan more and execute the plans. Even if it is a day late. Use the planner even if plans change. It's okay; it is better to have a plan and change it than to not have a plan at all. We can use a pencil to plan the days out in the planner. If it does work out it's okay. Sunday evening would be a great day to plan. Try 5 pm or 6 pm at the latest.

As for the illustration ideas let's start with 10 thumbnail drawings a week. It could be in the sketchbook or on the laptop. you are feeling adventurous try the desktop in mom's room.

For financial planning, we need to start looking into what we are spending money on. I know it's not our favorite thing to do but it needs to be done. For example we have a service we don't need so let's cancel it. It's okay to cancel if you are not using it. I'm giving an ultimatum if you don't use it at less than 4 days a week or more it's getting cut.

I know you fear of not getting the proportions right. It's okay to start drawing. We can always correct mistakes but you can't correct a blanket page. For Heaven’s sake get going and start. I know you enjoy drawing so just draw with no expectations and enjoy the moment.

I’ve talked enough on the illustration part know is time to address the eating and money spending habits. Not to mention the sleeping issue. For of all the sugar intake is too much as well as the junk food. Do you know how much money we're wasting? That same dollar could have grown our real estate portfolio or our Roth IRA but no it went to our hips instead. Not to be harsh but let's buy more healthy snacks. The new rule no eating before 7 am if you are not going to work. No eating after 7 pm if it's not fruit or veggies.

The next thing is staying in all day. We’re not imprisoned, lady. Let go out and explore the neighborhood. We can even go to the park or even window shopping. The more we walk and get fresh air the better we'll feel. Let’s try going forward.

Last and final stop going to sleep and 11 pm or 1 am crazy. The days we waste can not come back. I think going to bed at 10 pm is good. Try to put your phone in the draw. We can put the volume of the phone up to hear the alarm clock. I know I was harsh but I mean the best. We can do it, let's try.

Lots of love,

From your present self

Venola Brooks