This Too Shall Pass—And So Will the Cake: A Birthday Love Letter
- Michele Spahr
- Jun 3
- 3 min read
Another birthday candle flickers to life, and instead of wishing for a new gadget or a fancy dinner, I’m gifting myself something far more meaningful: a series of letters to the girl, teen, and woman I once was. Think of it as a time-capsule conversation—five snapshots, five decades, one roller-coaster journey.
So grab a cup of whatever sparks joy, settle in, and join me as I whisper (and sometimes holler) back through time.
Happy 10th Birthday, Michele!
Welcome to the world of double digits—you’ve officially wrapped your first decade. I know you’re already counting the days to each “bigger” birthday, but trust me: slow down and savor every year and every new hairdo. Embrace twelve (our future favorite) and grit through thirteen (not so much).
Each morning, look in the mirror and remind yourself: I am smart, kind, funny, and beautiful exactly as I am.
Finally, live by the simplest rule—treat people the way you want to be treated. In other words—earmuffs, kid—don’t be an asshole. Kindness wins every time.
You’ve got this kiddo,
54 Year Old You
Dear 20-Year-Old Michele,
Know your worth. Other people’s opinions—boys included—belong on mute. The next decade will brim with adventure, heartbreak, new love, medical scares, and even divorce. You’re sturdier than any forecast. When storms hit, repeat: this too shall pass.
Settle into your own skin; you’re enough as-is. Envy simply points to what you want—so chase it. Start the business, book the trip, dream audaciously. Most folks are too busy thinking about themselves to judge you, so live boldly. Mistakes mean you’re alive; lessons mean you’re growing. Do both.
Enjoy the ride,
54 Year Old You
Dear 30-Year-Old Michele,
The coaster keeps climbing—cancer, miscarriage, autoimmune curveballs. When the track tilts, breathe: this too shall pass. But remember, the same applies to the easy stretches—so savor every calm, every laugh, every ordinary Tuesday.
Stay anchored in the present. Let the hard seasons teach you how strong you really are, and let the good ones remind you why the hard work matters.
Stress less about tiny details. The kids won’t remember perfect color-coded schedules; they’ll remember sticky s’mores, backyard tents, rain dances, and that unforgettable indoor snowman (questionable decision, unforgettable memory).
Live fully, love loudly and never forget: you already have everything you need to navigate whatever comes next.
With fierce faith,
54 Year Old You
Dear 40-Year-Old Michele,
You made it through the thirties—now thrive. Slip comfortably into your own skin, chase new adventures, book the trip, get the tattoo (you’re forty; no permission slip required). Build the support network you and the kids deserve—you’ll need it when the fifties kick off.
There will be setbacks and days you’ll want to slip out of the arena. Stay. And when you’re standing on the cliff’s edge, remember: that’s where you learn to fly.
Onward,
54 Year Old You
Dear 50-Year-Old Michele,
The decade opens rough, so lean on that foundation. Prepare the kids; they’re stronger than they know and loved beyond measure. Life will always ebb and flow—be present for both. Forgive yourself for mistakes, practice compassion, and remember: vulnerability invites connection.
After the shaky start come new joys: the podcast, this blog, that tattoo at last. Stay resilient, stay curious.
Across every decade: be present, ride the highs, learn from the lows, seek adventure, and—earmuffs—don’t be an asshole.
I love you,
54 Year Old You
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