The future is free

Dear Crew,

I used to think that self-empowerment meant retelling my past—writing my own story.

Today, I believe this is just the beginning. Self-empowerment also means reclaiming the narrative of one’s own future.

Many years ago, someone said to me, “You are the love of my life.” “We’ll have lots of children someday.”

They were beautiful words. And I believed them. Not because I was naive, but because I was capable of love.

Then he withdrew. He never said it was over. He said just enough to keep the hope alive. For two years.

At some point, I mentally pulled the ripcord. Not because I finally understood what had happened, but because I realized that I no longer wanted to base my life on a future that consisted only of words.

Today, I don't care why he left. What remains is something much more valuable: I no longer believe in empty promises. I look for actions.

That might sound a bit matter-of-fact. To me, it feels incredibly romantic. Because actions are love made real.

Someone who asks how I’m really doing. Someone who lovingly cooks healthy and delicious meals for me so that I’ll feel good. Someone who plants flowers on the balcony. Who is happy to see me so excited. Who drives me to the airport when I’m going on a long trip. And welcomes me back when I return.

Not big words. Small gestures. Over and over again.

I used to think that hope meant holding on to promises. Today, I believe that hope arises where dreams and actions meet.

I love to dream. About spaces. About a more humane world. About a spaceship. About a crew. But I don't want to confuse my dreams with expectations anymore.

Not every vision is meant to become reality right away. Not every possibility is a promise.

Maybe that’s exactly what freedom is. Allowing yourself to dream big. And yet still living in the present. Loving possibilities without having to hold on to them. Dreaming of a future without making it dependent on another person.

With love and optimism,
Jeannette