1999

11:05pm

I’m 27.

Today is my birthday.

Here are 27 lessons I learned in 27 years of--

**record scratch**

lol

Just kidding.

I’ve read a lot of them in the past and can’t remember a thing now so…

None of that BS today.

Instead...

Here’s a letter I wrote to my past self as I was working on Unbland Yourself Workbook by Chris Do. (I’m not sponsored but I’d love to be :D)

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Dear Past Me,

It’s Friday, January 09, 2026. Day 5 of prayer and fasting. You’ve been living on this earth for 26 years, 5 months, 19 days, 12 hrs, 31 mins & 0 secs as of this writing. I wanted to thank you for enduring bullying in elementary, loneliness in high school, a misaligned relationship in college, grieving your father’s death, lots of disappointments, rejections, broken dreams and plans all these years. That means you’re much more capable than you think you are. You deserve a freaking standing ovation. Seriously, I’m proud of you for trying over and over and over again, for getting me here. The things you’ve gone through could’ve hardened your heart, made you bitter that you hide yourself from people who would love you for you. I’m glad you didn’t. That you’re choosing to be kind, care about people, find joy in the little things, take good care of yourself and your family, live out your faith and really do your best with what you have right now. Last year was hard and yet we made it into 2026. We’ll make it again this year and the next ones for sure. Just continue being you and do the things you need to do, and God will meet you halfway. I’m hyped for what’s in store for us this year, hopefully we can finally see a breakthrough. Let’s gooooo! ;)

Your Biggest Fan.

Love always,

Charisse Joy <3

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Wow. I teared up a bit reading and transcribing that one. I hope the future me in 2027 will be proud of what I’m doing now and the things I’m about to do too.

Actually, my will to live isn't that strong these days tho I’m doing my best to hold onto hope that my best days are still ahead of me and just taking it one day at a time.

What I can testify is this:

From that first breath until now
And all those years in between
My life is proof that you had your hand on everything

From 1999 at 11:05 pm when I first opened my eyes, God’s hand is in my life all along.

Which makes me wanna sing:

What can I say?
I got praise for days
It’s something deep in my soul
I know nobody can take
I got a song
I got a voice
All I wanna do is make a joyful noise
Woo Hoo

God loves you too.

Much luv,

Joy <3

PS: If you’ve read this right away, like hot off the press, you may or may have ~50 minutes to write me a long, sweet birthday message. Late entries won’t be accepted jk

I’m getting baby fever seeing my baby pictures so you should too hahaha