An Ode to Gratefulness

Dear Readers,

You might be surprised to be addressed as such.

I’m back, but not for much longer.

This is Tommy and I am writing to you, my reader, not to my younger self.

I figured there wasn’t a better time than this to “break the fourth wall” and have a quick conversation before we get back to the normally scheduled program.

As it is Thanksgiving week and we all just celebrated with family and friends yesterday, I figured I would wrap up the “season” of thankfulness with a note to gratitude to you, my readers.

I reasoned with writing something deep about thankfulness and gratitude, but you’ve heard it all, you’ve read it all, you’ve just been with family and friends speaking it all.

I’d rather take two minutes to express my gratitude for you!

Thank you, sincerely, for reading these letters every week.

This was always just a passion project for me.

A therapeutic way to make sense of my inner dialogue through writing.

I turned it into a newsletter to hold myself accountable to write one every week.

This newsletter marks the 21st “Dear Younger Me” letter.

I never intended to write more than five.

I never intended to go for more than a month.

Well, 20 newsletters and 5 months later, it seems we’re just getting started.

What started as a way for me to write and reflect more has evolved into community of (almost) 100 subscribers.

That’s pretty cool.

Sure, it’s not the biggest newsletter (yet).

Or the most popular newsletter (yet).

But there is something here. Your texts, messages, emails back (yes, if you reply back to this email I will read it and will respond to you. I promise. You should try it :)) have confirmed that to me.

And that’s exciting.

Yes, the potential growth is exciting.

But the fact that this form of personal therapy to help myself can also help you blows my mind.

Through these letters, I can help you think, dive deeper, learn more, reflect, and guide you on your journey

It’s a privilege to be able to write freely. Communicate my ideas freely. Share my thoughts with you freely. Thank you for granting me that privilege. I won’t take it for granted.

Thank you for continuing to read. For continuing to reflect. For continuing to take action on the lessons from these letters.

I will always continue to write these letters. Honestly, it helps my introspection. It helps me reflect. It helps me improve on my journey.

But it makes it extra special to know that ‘younger me’ is not just Tommy Halkyard of the past.

‘Younger me’ is a highschooler walking home from basketball practice.

‘Younger me' is a college student on their self-growth journey.

‘Younger me' is a recent graduate navigating post-grad life.

‘Younger me' is a seasoned professional with 30+ years of experience.

‘Younger me' is a grandparent, eager for weekend time with their grandchildren.

There are so many others, but regardless, I am grateful for you.

There are big things coming for the newsletter. Ways to make it better. Ways to make it grow. Ways to engage a wider audience.

But for now…

Thank you.

Thanks for reading. I look forward to continuing this journey together.

Best,

Tommy