I was struck with this question that was posed by someone on Twitter recently:
What is something you would go back and tell your younger self that would impress/amaze them?
At first, I thought that I would want to tell my younger self that really? Really, it was all going to be okay. I used to worry so much about how my children were going to turn out or what job I would have or would the house deal work out or what were we going to have for dinner? I mean, everything. I worried about everything. And it's not as if I am done with worrying. Somehow, though, I have come to learn that things will work out. I can't rid life of every tragedy and every sadness but things do eventually work out.
But let's go back earlier than that. Let's go back to high school. Lordy. What a hard time that was. I just didn't know anything. I mean, I knew all the academic stuff. I aced most classes and I could take charge of younger sibs and all things domestic. What I didn't know was myself. So here's what I would tell that girl:
" Oh, you are so much more than you know. So much stronger, so much smarter, so much more creative, so much more engaging, so much prettier, so much deeper and reflective. You were lost then but you will eventually find yourself. Stay curious. Everything changes. Your life will be bigger than you know. Just hang in there. Stay curious and stay tender. That will take you a long way."
What would YOU say to some younger version of yourself?
Gracie at age 16
I would tell myself “Don’t be afraid to try, because if you fail, that’s not the end. And you’ll most likely learn something that will be of benefit later.”
Hi Gracie, love your name Gracie Wilde. What I would say now:
"What you know & feel in your heart is YOU. There is only one of you. Do not be swayed by any word or sword to cut down this beautiful blossoming tree of thee. You see magic, because you are magic. I think you're grand! Now, go play and learn without attaching yourself to the outcome. This is the life of a true free spirit. And you know you have always been that.
Gracie, thanks for this today. And thanks for a nice short stack.