The Aurora Public Library Camera Club, led by Angela Durante Dukát shot 101 portraits as a part of the Note to Self Project and asked participants to write letters to their younger selves.  

We’re thrilled to support the Note to Self Project. It’s not just a great portrait collection but it’s a heart project that make us better humans. When we read the notes that people write to their younger selves we realize that everyone around us has a story – a GREAT story – that, if we listen, encourage us to be more compassionate humans. 

So, subscribe to the Note to Self Project blog and open your heart to the words of wisdom from people you’ve probably never met, but can’t help love.

Enjoy these notes featuring two athletes that have different stories but share the same strength, courage, and wisdom.  Portraits courtesy of Angela Durante Dukát. Notes are written by athletes. 

Laura 

Laura teaches fitness and inspires women every day to be their best self. 

Look at you. So sweet and innocent. I know you are shy, unsure of yourself and worried about what the world will bring to you. Here is what I'd like to say, "believe in yourself". No need to go out and find yourself and others can not tell you who you are. You are you. Look inside yourself to see who you are and live in the moment. Because your whole world, as you know it, is about to change. Early in life you will find yourself in circumstances that most people don't have to face or feel until much later in life. Pain and loss, sorrow and grief will come to your doorstep a few times in your youth. You will be angry. You will say “life is unfair,” but life is not unfair or fair. Life just is. Things just happen. They are not because of you and you will have no control over them. You will feel scared and alone, but you are not. You are strong, you will find your way and you don't have to do it all alone. People will come into your life when you least expect it and lead you onto different paths. Some for their own good and some for yours. Trust your intuition. If it feels right, then let them in. This is not being weak, it is being strong. By opening up yourself, you will find who you are. You will experience happiness, joy and love again. It is up to you. You will realize your hardest challenges in life will help you learn and grow the most to become the person you will be. All your experiences in life are a part of you and what makes you. Get to know yourself. The better you know yourself, the better you will be able to choose the life you want and the path to follow. Go after your dreams and you will live them. Learn what you can control in your life - yourself - Your beliefs, your actions and what you do with yourself. Other people and circumstances are beyond your control.

Think of life like a ship on the sea. The sea is life and you are in the ship. There will be sunny days, there will be rough weather; there will be other ships and unknown lands to explore. You are the captain of your own ship. Open the sails, take the rudder and steer. Say to yourself "If it's to be, it's up to me".

Sandy

Sandy is a runner. She has run across the Sahara and climbed Kilamanjaro.

Dearest little one,

Breathe….that’s it…..

…when your heart is fluttering like a hummingbird’s because you’re nervous.  You’re wondering how you’re possibly going to get hired for that job you want so badly, but don’t know if you can do it.  Be yourself. That’s the only way.…when you’re off to Europe and your friend changes her mind, go anyway, you’ll be a brave traveller on your own.

…when you’re not sure you’ll be a good Mom….you’ll be the best one you can be.…when your marriage is broken, your heart knows best…

…when you’re lonely and want a partner, the perfect one will show up at just the right time…

…when you want to run Boston and the Sahara, you’ll surprise yourself.  Ta Da!

…keep breathing….and inhale…  it’s going to be fine.  yes, even better than fine. …

SeeWhatSheCanDo

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Look for more advice and stories to nourish your body, mind, and soul on our Discover blog. Be celebrated by sharing your story directly on our Discover blog or by using #seewhatshecando in your social media posts.