Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, bsc

Dear Future Me,

Today, as I sit down to write this letter, the world is celebrating International Women’s Day, a day that honors the spirit, strength, and achievements of women across the globe. It’s a day that makes me ponder over my journey, our journey, and the myriad paths we’ve traversed to reach where we are supposed to be at 100.

As I write to you, I’m filled with curiosity and wonder about the stories etched in the wrinkles of your face and the sparkles of wisdom in your eyes. Did we achieve the dreams we so passionately chased? Did we live the life that we always wanted to?

Personal Growth and Achievements

I hope, as you read this, you smile at the milestones we aimed for. From the degrees and accolades we chased to the quieter victories of personal growth, each one was a step towards becoming more authentically us. I hope you’re surrounded by the echoes of the laughter, joy, and even the tears of overcoming challenges that made us stronger, more resilient.

Remember the obstacles we faced? They seemed insurmountable at times, but I’m writing to you with the hope that we navigated them with grace, learning that resilience is not just about surviving but thriving. I hope you wear our scars as medals of honor, each telling a story of a battle fought and won.

On Widowhood

As I trace the contours of our life’s journey, the chapter on widowhood stands stark, a testament to loss, love, and the resilience of the human spirit. Losing our partner was a crucible, reshaping our understanding of love, strength, and independence. I hope, as you read this, the pain has softened into a sweet nostalgia, the memories more comforting than sorrowful.

Widowhood taught us the invaluable lesson of self-reliance and the courage to rebuild our life, piece by piece. It showed us the power of vulnerability, allowing us to lean on others and in turn, strengthen our bonds of friendship and family. Most importantly, it reminded us to cherish every moment, to live fully and love deeply, for the impermanence of life is both its tragedy and its beauty.

On Motherhood

Motherhood, in all its chaotic glory, has been our greatest adventure. It challenged us in ways we never imagined, pushing us to the limits of our patience, empathy, and unconditional love. Watching our child grow, learning and exploring the world in their own unique ways, has been a source of immeasurable joy and pride.

I hope you look back on the sleepless nights, the endless questions, the first steps, and the last farewells as they ventured into the world with a heart full of gratitude. Motherhood is a journey of constant learning and growth, one that taught us the true meaning of selflessness, sacrifice, and the boundless capacity of the human heart to love.

As a solo mother, the journey was doubly challenging yet infinitely rewarding. It taught us to be strong yet flexible, to be both mother and father, to juggle responsibilities while nurturing a soul. I hope the bond you share with our child is a testament to the strength, love, and resilience that defined our journey together.

On Self-Acceptance and Pursuing Our Dreams

In this reflection of our life’s journey, a pivotal chapter is dedicated to self-acceptance and the unwavering belief that we, as women, inherently deserve all the goodness the world has to offer. There were times when the shadows of doubt and fear clouded our path, a reflection of the societal conditioning that has, for too long, taught women to question their worth, their capabilities, and their right to dream.

I hope as you read this, you’re basking in the light of your accomplishments, knowing deep in your heart that every step taken towards our dreams was not just a step forward for us but for every woman who doubted her light because of a world that often dims it. You have lived a life that challenged those doubts, that fought against the invisible chains of oppression and emerged victorious.

We’ve been taught to believe that ambition, strength, and independence are traits to be subdued, but I hope we’ve turned that narrative on its head. By embracing our power, our desires, and our needs, we’ve not only allowed ourselves to flourish but also paved the way for others to follow.

Self-acceptance was our weapon and our shield, allowing us to acknowledge our flaws and virtues alike and understand that we are deserving of every bit of happiness, success, and love that comes our way. It was a journey of unlearning the doubts imprinted in our DNA from years of oppression and relearning the truths of our inherent worth and potential.

I hope you look back and see a legacy of empowerment, not just in the achievements listed on paper, but in the lives of the women and girls who found in your story a beacon of hope and inspiration. You have shown that even when fear and doubt whisper in our ears, the courage to take that step towards our dreams is what truly defines us.

Remember, our journey towards self-acceptance and the pursuit of our dreams was not just for us but for every woman who ever doubted her brilliance. We have lived proof that the chains of doubt can be broken, and in doing so, we’ve helped to free others to pursue their own paths to fulfillment and joy.

Wisdom and Lessons Learned

Through the years, we’ve gathered pearls of wisdom, haven’t we? I hope you’ve continued to share these generously, knowing that our experiences could light the way for others. The importance of kindness, empathy, and patience; the power of a positive mindset; the value of self-care—these are the lessons I hope you live by and pass on.

Hopes for the Future

As for the world of women, my heart swells with hope that we’ve seen monumental shifts towards equality, respect, and empowerment. I dream of a world where being a woman is no longer a barrier but a badge of honor, celebrated in all its forms and manifestations.

For you, my dear centenarian self, I wish for peace, contentment, and joy in the simple pleasures of life. May you bask in the love of family and friends, knowing that the legacy you’ve built extends beyond achievements and accolades—it’s in the hearts you’ve touched, the lives you’ve changed, and the quiet moments of gratitude for a life fully lived.

Final thoughts

Reflecting on our journey, I realize the power of this moment—the act of writing to you is a bridge between the past, present, and future, a testament to the life we’ve lived and the life that’s unfolding. It’s a reminder to cherish each day, to live with purpose and passion, and to never stop dreaming, learning, and growing.

To my readers, I encourage you to embark on this reflective journey, too. Writing a letter to your future self is an act of hope, a declaration of your dreams, and a celebration of your journey. Let it be a reminder of how far you’ve come and how much further you wish to go.

To you, my 100-year-old self, I say: thank you. Thank you for carrying forward our dreams, for living our purpose, and for being the embodiment of our hopes. You are the culmination of a life lived with intention, courage, and love.

With all my heart,

Sonia