A Dispatch from the Future

My future self sent me a letter about what to expect over the next 10 years.

Dear David in 2009,

It’s December 2019, and you’re ten years older, which both feels not like much time and as though an entire life has happened to you.

If I remember correctly, it’s 2009 for you. You’re in the middle of the first winter where you actually cared about your haircut. Congrats. You’ve got a weird little faux-hawk, but honestly, you’re learning to empower yourself with self-grooming, and that’s a good thing.

December 2009: Don’t worry. Everyone in this picture looks a million times better today.

I just wanted to talk to you about where we are in 2019, where I’m in the middle of our 30th year of life.

First, let me answer the first question I know you have: no, we do not have a six-pack. Sorry, let you down on that one. I’m staying pretty active, but honestly, having a bodybuilder’s body is a whole lot less important to us at this point. It’s a good thing, trust me; being strong and fast and flexible is our new benchmark of success, and it’s waaaay more fun.

December 2011: This is you at 21. Believe it or not, this is the best your hair looked that year.

This decade has been tumultuous for us. We grew up, but it was not a soft experience. You’re…