Dear Time,

It's no secret to anyone that you are finite. You expire. Run out. That's a little tricky on your part, a wolf in sheep's clothing, if I'm being honest, but I've survived enough of you to figure a few things out.

There are those that fear you, wishing you would pass by faster. There are those that chase after you, begging you to stay just a little while longer. But me, I know you're just passing through, Time. I know we aren't forever, but I've learned to love you and everything you offer.

You've inspired some of the most artistic endeavors in the world. People write great novels, poetry, and song lyrics. They paint pictures and make music about you. Yeah, you're pretty popular, Time. One of the cool kids. I mean, we even talk about you. 

We say things like:

NOT THIS TIME

MAYBE NEXT TIME

IN ANOTHER TIME

WRONG TIME

RIGHT TIME

I HAVE NO TIME

Problem is, we're so busy talking about you, worried about your departure, we forget that you're a gift.

The best gift.

You see, I know that even though you have to leave, while we're together, I can make the most of you. I feel a little silly because the answer seems so obvious. I don't usually have trouble grasping things or embracing new concepts, but that one was a hard test with an easy answer. It is that simple. Enjoy you.

Every single second, each hour, each moment of you and all the things you give to me, whether I've asked for them or not. This is a two-way street though, Time and I know you love surprises, so I made plans for us! Big ones! I threw caution to the wind and if I'm being honest with you, and with myself, it feels amazing. I understand and accept that the only part of you that's committed to our relationship is the right now. This second, this moment.

In the past, I've taken you for granted. That ends here. Even when you go and foil my plans to try and teach me a lesson. I forgive you, because sometimes, your surprises are the best ones.

So for all those moments we're lucky enough to share together, whether they're my plans or yours, I promise you these things:

I'll put down my phone. At a concert, I'll close my eyes and feel the music in my veins instead. I'll smile and talk and connect with people.

I'll indulge in things I once thought weren't possible, like writing. I'll pour my passion, my soul onto paper without apologies.

I'll tell the people I love that I love them. Fully and without reservation. And when they're sick of hearing it, I'll tell them again. Maybe once more after that.

I'll do something good for another person, as frequently and as often as I possibly can.

I'll travel.

I'll listen to music.

I'll eat dessert first.

I'll read books and watch movies.

I'll laugh more.

I'll cry more.

I'll fall in love with nature and places and people.

I'll listen to the crunch of the snow beneath my feet this winter, maybe catch a snowflake on my tongue.

I'll dance in the middle of a rainstorm in the summer by the ocean.

I'll take a road with no foreseeable ending and stop worrying about where it leads. I'll do this because I trust you.

I'll never say another time, next time, or I have no time. Because I get it now. I understand.

I'm ready for us to chase my dreams and see where they take us.

It's a tempting offer, isn't it? I know, I know. You still have to go...eventually. But for this second, this moment, this RIGHT NOW, we have a good thing going, you and I. Yeah, I'll say it first.

Time, I love you. 

XOXO

Leah 

I tag DistantDreamer, RebeccaSky ELatimer & every one of YOU to write a letter to Time. It's easy. Write your letter and tag it with #CollateralBeauty then share it! You can also head over to Wattpad's Romance profile and post your letter directly in the comments. Some of the letters will be featured on Wattpad's Romance profile. 

Good luck! I can't wait to read your letters!