What I Would Tell My Younger Self...
If I could go back in time and meet my fifteen-year-old self, I would share an earful!
The first thing I would do is look her directly in the eye and say, “I LOVE YOU!” I would hug her until SHE let go.
Why is it we don’t we hug our loved ones often or long enough. Whatever happen to those Grandma Hugs? You know, the ones that made us feel warm and fuzzy. That hug would set the tone for the conversation.
I would start off with an apology:
I apologize for not loving you more
I apologize for not protecting you
I apologize for placing ADULT responsibilities on you
I apologize for not praying for you more often
I apologize for not setting a better example for you
I apologize for not telling you how special you are
I would hug her again, then say:
It’s NOT your fault
Don’t judge everyone based on the mistake of one
SUICIDE IS NEVER THE ANSWER!
It’s okay, not to be OKAY
Forgive yourself
You will fall in love again. Next time it will be the right person
If HE really loves you, he’ll tell you AND show you
YOU are worth waiting for
I know your heart is in the right place
This too shall pass (or as they say in the church, “Trouble don’t last always”)
Allow that hug to linger
I would also share:
Slow down and appreciate life
Maintain strong work ethics
Follow a butterfly
Stay humble - You can teach a humble person anything
Dip your toe in the water
It’s okay to wait
Respect yourself
It’s okay to say, “No”
Believe in yourself
Read more
Write more
Get tougher skin
Pray everyday
Be true to yourself
Don't be afraid
It’s okay to be different
“Measure twice, cut once” – (my interpretation – Make sure you read, pay attention, check it over before responding or completing an action)
Dance like nobody is watching
Laugh more
It’s okay to cry – It’s good for the soul
Kill them with kindness
Trust your instincts
No, is a COMPLETE sentence
Pick your battles … That leads to – “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” (Thanks Dr. Richard Carson)
It’s okay to make mistakes
Other people’s opinion about you, is none of your business (This one gets me every time)
I would end with:
Your smile is your signature personality – wear it everyday
I still make mistakes. When you make mistakes, own it, and try to fix them
When you say, “I’m sorry, mean it”
I will do my best to protect you
I will advocate for you
I will continue to be your cheerleader
YOU are worth it!
Your feelings matter…YOU matter
I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!
As you go throughout you day or you meet up with the young ones in your family during this holiday week and vacation time (you know the one who reminds you of YOUR younger self), take time out to remind them that they are special.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Ms. Zipporah wants to know. Please, feel free to share.
Love you all,
~ Ms. Zipporah ♥
Coming Soon~ Summer 2022