A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF:
photo by Isicle
Dear Baby Belle,
It’s 1:00 p.m. and by now you’ve probably compared yourself to more than a dozen girls and you're now making yourself safe and warm inside your shell that seems to hold you back every time.
You've probably changed outfits five times before deciding that sweat pants and a t-shirt were the best options because you doubt every outfit you wear.
You've probably questioned why you're still friends with certain people because you've noticed while you're picking up their shattered pieces, you're falling apart.
Learn this now: a kind heart can get you far, but don't forget to take care of yourself while helping others fix themselves. Generosity and compassion are important, but if these so-called friends don't have your best interest at heart, along with a similar mindset, then don't waste your time.
If only you could see how precious your soul is and how it shines through you. I know you have many people tell you this over and over again, but keep those people around—you’ll always need their positivity and love.
I’ve been on this planet a little over two decades, and although I might seem old to you, I am very young and still have plenty of time to develop myself (and no, I am not living in London). Don’t worry, I have a plan to travel to Europe and roam the world, but the process is the most important. In order to get the most out of life you need to learn about yourself on this journey—start acknowledging your spirit and the gifts you can bring to the world.
This precise journey that you're on is unlike the others you surround yourself with, so don't let discouragement creep into your mind. You're meant to be different and you're meant to have a fresh outlook on life—don't get caught up in other people's opinions about how you view the world.
You're beautiful. I know you're nodding your head right now and trying to pass by that compliment, but take it and breathe it in. It doesn't matter how perky that girl's nose is, how skinny she is, or how bubbly her personality is—acknowledging her beauty is just as important as acknowledging yours.
Here's a hint: get that stubbornness in check. You’ll lose a lot of opportunities if your iron-willed attitude is not on your side. Have you ever seen greenery growing through the concrete? I tend to view you as that, many times you'll be pushed down, but that doesn't mean your worthiness has been diminished. Get back up and show yourself, and everyone else for that matter, that your spirit is unsinkable. That's what I mean by having your stubbornness on your side—don't let it fight against you, fight with it.
Stay focused and make yourself happy. Remember, if you aren’t making choices that are on the path to your happiness and your goals, then why are you doing it? Your life is yours. Trust me, you're not being selfish or unrealistic.
Don't play the compare and contrast game—that's just wasted energy. Being unique is an advantage.
Grace, patience and hard work will get you far in life. Fight for what you want, even when there are bumps in the road. Believe me, it's worth it. It is all worth it.
And remember to train your mind as well as your body, and that time heals everything. You'll gain lots of wisdom through your experiences, so trust yourself and be patient with your gentle heart.
with love,
Your older self