Whatever you did yesterday informs today. Whatever you do today informs tomorrow. And whatever you do now informs next year and the next 10 years!

This concept blows me away, but it also gives me motivation, keeps me mindful, and helps me make better choices and decisions.

I remind myself of this when I’m avoiding booking that dentist appointment, when I notice I’m distracting myself from doing my taxes, and of course, when I’m undecided about rolling out my yoga mat or not.

I know that in the long run, my future self will thank my present or past self for doing it. I’ll be happy knowing that I’ve done my best to look after my future self’s wellbeing in all the ways I know how and am in control of.

When I do it for my future self, I’m more committed to making it happen because it outweighs the implications of not doing it – mostly!

I choose to write the email now, when I feel clear on what I’m going to say, instead of ruminating about it until tomorrow, which generally leaves me feeling overwhelmed and confused about what to say. Unless it requires more time, then I’ll give that to myself while still being accountable to my future self.

We cannot treat our bodies like machines or like organisms that will just continue to adjust, adapt, and quickly orient themselves to their surroundings, environment, or situation. Sure, it’s easier when we’re young, but as we age, this is when we see the effects of our choices and actions.

I like to treat my body the way I do my best friend, or like a loving relationship with some of my favourite humans. I make sure I’m nourished and eating good quality food. I rest when I need to instead of using caffeine to push through. I let myself sleep in when I have the time and buy myself flowers because they make me happy when I look at them. I make an effort to go to the strength and conditioning classes at the gym because my body likes to feel strong, and I know my older self will be grateful that I did.

I listen closely to my inner dialogue and notice if I’m being harsh, critical, or using negative language when talking to myself. And if I am, I change it or try to rewrite the inner script so it sounds more loving and caring.

I graciously forgive myself for the mistakes, wrong decisions, and awkwardness I’ve found myself in because, back then, I had my reasons for making those choices. So I’m living with the consequences of them now. It’s these moments when I’m reminded (again) that all my choices and actions now affect and inform my future self.

I’m nowhere near perfect, nor have I mastered living in this way, but I do feel that when I do things for my future self, it leaves me feeling empowered, positive, and confident. When I’m living as my future self, I’ll know my past self did what she thought was best at the time, given the circumstances and what was available to me.

So next time you’re deliberating over doing something, distracting yourself from making a choice, or notice that you’re holding back, ask yourself: How will this affect my future self? And will your future self be happy with the choices you’re making today?