Wherever You Are Today, Take Care of Yourself

You are leaving today, or maybe you left last week and I am only now finding the words. Either way, this is for you.

I heard about the trip — the new city, the long drive, the months ahead. And I wanted to say something before it was too late to say it normally. In person it would come out awkward. "Be careful" sounds like a parent. "I'll miss you" sounds like too much. So I am writing it down instead, the way you write things that are true but hard to say out loud.

Wherever you are today, take care of yourself. Eat even when you forget. Sleep even when the place is noisy. Drink water, stretch, and don't skip meals just because everything is new and exciting and your phone is full of messages. You have a way of giving everything you have to other people and forgetting to keep some for yourself. Don't do that on the road.

You are a good person. I have watched you carry other people's problems like they were your own, and I have watched you stay kind even when kindness was not returned. The world is full of people who talk; you are someone who actually shows up. Keep being that person — but take care of yourself first.

And go. The trip is yours. See everything you can, say yes to the things you usually say no to, and come back with stories. If it gets hard — and it will, some days — remember that someone back home believes in you completely.

I am not putting my name on this. Some blessings are easier to receive when they arrive without a face. But if you ever wonder whether anyone is rooting for you, someone is. Safe travels. Keep going. You are doing better than you think.

Copy this message (50 words): "Wherever you are today, take care of yourself. You're a good person and you're doing great — don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Safe travels. I'm rooting for you."