Now & Later, March 30th

I found my last post about writing to my younger self so helpful that I decided to reverse the scenario. If you missed it, check it out https://jenslittleblackbook.com/2026/02/16/now-then-february-16th/. In Now & Then I reached out to comfort my younger self and in this post called Now & Later, I’m projecting forward to the future me. I approached this task from the me in 2026 contacting my older, wiser, fitter, smarter 2036 year old self. (See what I did there?!) Let’s get into it….

Hey, Jen. So I made it to 2036! I’m sure some exciting things happen to me in the next ten years. How does the new apartment work out? Do I love the new space? How did decorating go? Did I get amazing outdoor furniture?? Right now I have absolutely no idea what it will all look like fully furnished and lived in. It is so scary but thrilling too. I know you know! I’m so looking forward to enjoying the view.

Does he die? You know who I mean. Does America recover quickly? Or do the dems sweep the midterms and they both get impeached? Please give me some encouraging news about the state of our union and our freedom of speech and right to peacefully protest. Is a woman finally President? That would be so great!

I’m scared to ask about my loved ones. I’m praying everyone is happy and healthy and the rifts I’m dealing with now have miraculously healed. I am working toward resolution in present day and will persevere going forward. Good news would be most welcome.

And how is the business going? There were so many bankruptcies recently that I’m hoping that interest rates held steady going forward or dare I say increased?! I foresee that I’m swamped with new clients as referrals were building and word of mouth continued to spread beyond my first anniversary. And I’m dying to know how the platform is doing? I hope it’s a huge part of my business. And that someday I can peel off that unit and sell it for a gazillion dollars. How cool would that be. Any hints?? Yeah, didn’t think so.

What about the travel app? I have such aspirations that I could help millions of travelers experience Paris with Jen’s Little Black Book: Premier Paris Picks. Imagine if each visitor could capitalize on my entertaining and informative write ups and put to good use all the critical data that I amassed about museums, shops, restaurants and landmarks to build their dream trip in minutes?! I’m not going to fantasize that I’ve expanded the concept further to include domestic cities. I’m just not that ambitious. I think one and done with Paris would be just fine with me, especially if it goes viral. Don’t worry– I’m practicing gratefulness while still setting aggressive goals for my future successes.

You know how much I love to travel so I’m wondering what other escape plans pepper my future? I know my first ever trip to Newport is scheduled for 2026 and of course Paris again in the fall. And I was already researching Vienna and the South of France for trips over the next few years. It’s been a minute since I flew to Hawaii so that sounds fab! I wish to see Venice and Milan and finally Capri. So I’m adding those to my bucket list travel roster for the next decade please. Jen, are you taking good notes?

I’m sure that my passion for writing continues. How could it not? I’m typing something interesting almost every day. Does any publisher come calling? What are the chances that Reese Witherspoon buys my first novel and creates a movie from it? Ha. That would be excellent. Is there another book of some sort in my future? A travel book perhaps? Hmmm. Inquiring minds.

Ok, enough with the questions, right? Here are some things I’m going to do for you starting now. I’m going to prioritize my health. Because in ten years I don’t want to have my back issues worsen. I’m going to start working out again because I know I’ll be happy about this decision later. I’m going to stretch and continue walking. That’s gotta be able to help you, so you’re welcome in advance. I’m going to continue flossing. It’s a royal pain but I want healthy teeth and gums to avoid serious health complications when I’m your age. (No offense, babe.) I’m going to eat more mindfully. Less sugar, more blueberries, smaller portions. But I refuse to go cold turkey on dessert altogether. I know you of all people will understand. Thanks for being cool about that.

And I promise I’m going to buy less crap! I had a great two months of a dry July and a stone cold January with zero purchases besides essentials. And it taught me that I really do not need all the stuff I buy. A lot of the shopping is just habit. For me sometimes taking a picture is better than having my retirement account in the form of a fabulous coat I might only wear occasionally and will end up reselling for a quarter of the original sale price. So I will be much more intentional with how I spend my hard earned dollars so that you can benefit later.

I’m keeping in touch with the people I love and reminding them that their relationships are important to me. I’m pretty sure I’ve always done this so this behavior remains a priority. Didja catch how I didn’t even ask about my relationship with Michael? I don’t have to. I’m certain that he’s a keeper and my true soulmate.