Dear future me
curated by Silvia Grădinaru

I am you, just from the past.
How’s life? Did you get to where you dreamed you’d be?
Do you have the family you once longed for?

How is your relationship with God?
Does Dad still speak with us?

How about dancing?
Does sport still exist?

Is the world less polluted?
Have people become kinder?

 
*
Did you become a psychologist? A footballer, a doctor,
a high-ranking officer, or an engineer?
Or maybe a painter? A successful lawyer?

An independent woman,
with a steady job and a mother?

A role model
for everyone?

Are you happy?
Did you fulfill your dream?

I hope you found the perfect job.
I hope you achieved everything you sought.

*
Dear future me, I am still young, living my life.
Just so you know, I’m doing well for now,
but perhaps you are doing even better.

You’re on the porch of your house, holding a large cup of hot tea,
admiring the beauty of the grass

I, the one writing these lines,
am working hard so that you can enjoy
everything I’ve listed above.

*
If you ever feel like you can’t go on, if it’s too much,
if you need a push,
remember your dreams.

Keep dreaming—dreams come true.

*
I hope I grow up to be the same person.
That I never forget to read, to laugh, to learn.
That I still paint nails, still smile.

That I respect those who helped me,
never forget the beautiful moments.

That I always find joy, that I remain myself.
That I play football, video games.

That I give back to my parents
and cherish my distant loved ones.

That I love people for who they are.

That I love with all my heart those who wish me well
and learn to tell them apart—
for some are only there to use you.

That I remain calm, optimistic.
That I never stop caring.
That I keep my joy alive.

That I stay curious,
that I am kind and generous.

That I stay playful, that I paint,
sing, and compose songs.

That I do everything with soul,
out of pure pleasure.

That I become a better version of myself.
That I reach my full potential.

That I take care of myself.

That I do not forget, nor forgive everything.
Everything has a limit.

*

If you ever feel like you can’t go on, if it’s too much,
if you need a push,
remember your dreams.

Keep dreaming—dreams come true.

I wonder what awaits me in the future.

Will I still be as brave?
Will I be in college?
Will I have many cats
or pets?

Has my dream changed?
Do I still have the same friends?

Will I discover
new things every day?

I’m not sure.
Has my hard work paid off?
Am I more productive?

Will I still play football?
If so, how much have I progressed?

Have I traveled to the countries I wish to visit?
Have I gone on tours or advanced in dance?
Have I made it to a good university?
Do I have a family or money?

Do I have my dream car,
the house I always wanted?

Have I found the love of my life,
or am I still shy around boys?

Are my parents well and healthy?

*

If yes, keep going!
If not, let me remind you:

You still have time.
You can still start fresh
if needed.

*
If you ever feel like you can’t go on, if it’s too much,
if you need a push,
remember your dreams.

Keep dreaming—dreams come true.

*

Dear future me, I hope you never change.
I hope you remain curious.
I hope you have a better life,
with loved ones by your side.

I hope you made the right choices,
or at least learned from the wrong ones.

I hope you are where you want to be,
working where you want,
with your family,
lacking nothing.
 
*
I hope you remember these moments with joy.
Don’t forget who you were. Don’t let society change you
more than it already has.

I hope you are doing well. I’m proud of you.

*

If you ever feel like you can’t go on, if it’s too much,
if you need a push,
remember your dreams.

Keep dreaming—dreams come true.

*

I wish to hear from myself:
“I changed the world.”

If I could, I would invent a teleportation machine
and a cure for cancer and leukemia.
The cure for all incurable diseases,
or for all disabilities.

A mirror of emotions, showing
how we truly feel inside.

A machine for empathy.

If only our eyes could see
beyond appearances—into souls—
how much better our lives could be.

A device to help people truly understand
one another.

Trash bins that change their own bags
because today’s bins always overflow.

People today are like animals,
hunting only their own interest.

If I could, I would invent time travel,
back to when people were kind
and goodness wasn’t so rare.

A parallel universe. A world where there is no
physical, verbal, or sexual violence.

A world where everyone is free to speak their mind without fear.
A world where no one takes advantage of others.

I would invent fuel with unlimited usage.
Something to save electrical energy.

A machine or something everyone enjoys,
so technology would slow down a bit.

I would create more activities
that increase face-to-face interaction.

I would change the school system.
I would close all casinos and betting games.

I would eliminate alcohol and cigarettes forever
so people wouldn’t ruin their lives with them.

And one more thing I’d invent:
Portals.

And a microchip that projects architectural plans.

A magic box that offers good advice and messages
to make people smile
whenever they are sad or unsure.

A system that ensures a bright future in Romania.
A system to fight climate change.

A wish-machine that we can only use twice.
Housing for the homeless.
An amusement park in every city.
More hospitals.
Peace.

An app that highlights positive thoughts and gestures
so people can follow good examples.

And a sweater that, if you wear it and do a good deed,
grants you a wish.

Recycling that turns into food
for stray animals.
Flying.

And so, the future of this world would be better and happier.

 
*
Hello,

If you ever feel like you can’t go on, if it’s too much,
if you need a push,
remember your dreams.

Keep dreaming—dreams come true.