Wednesday Wisdom: If you were to write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? Here’s mine :)
Reading these two letters written by Oprah & Phylicia Rashad (<link)to their younger selves inspired me soo much and brought me to tears. I could especially relate to these two words of advice in particular:
- A lesson you will have to learn again and again: to see yourself with your own eyes, to love yourself from your own heart. -Oprah
- What’s in front of you is a whole world of experiences beyond your imagination. Put yourself, and your growth and development, first.- Phylicia
When I was asking the supporters of the blog for any questions they might like me to answer in a video, I got a really great one from an awesome girl named Abby (http://bunandcheese.tumblr.com/):”If you could give your 14 year old self any advice or wise words, what would you say?” I’m going to write a letter to my 14-15 year old self now. I’ll address her as “beautiful brown skinned girl” just like Oprah did in hers because now I really believe that’s who I was and am now.
Dear beautiful brown-skinned girl,
I know you may feel awkward and out of place, but you won’t always feel this way. This is far from the beginning. You have so much growing to do and so far to go. I know you’re scared of getting older but it’s not that bad, you still look pretty much the same! lol. Oh! And go natural!! Giiirrl I know this may seem like a crazy request but you have beautiful hair! Those “beady beads ” are curls!! Having straight, long hair does not make you any more or less beautiful. And try your best to go meet Michael, He dies in 2009 :( Don’t sweat the small stuff. Stop worrying and everything will be fine. Know that you are beautiful and don’t be so darn flattered when a boy tells you. He is just a boy, they come and go.(And you are so very young, they will go!) Boys are the VERY LAST THING you should be worried about! Sounds cliche, but listen to me! You are the one that will be with you always, make sure you love yourself. You have such great ideas, dreams & ambitions. Fall in love with those & follow through- they won’t disappoint. You will think you’re in love and cry puppy dog tears over what’s really puppy love but brush your shoulders off and keep it moving! Get to know yourself better and more quickly so you can realize how beautiful, talented, creative, intuitive, inventive, kindhearted and strong you are. You are a very intense and passionate girl; Only dedicate your time and energy to people and things deserving of it. Choose your battles & struggles. You will have a lot of “end of the world” moments but be sure to let things go. LIFE GOES ON & things get better. Also, be easy on your mom and dad. It may seem like they are against you and don’t want you to be happy and they are too strict-blah blah blah! Grow up silly girl! They love you sooo much and do everything for you. Cut them some slack- believe me Mom does know best-you’ll see. She is really ALWAYS right! Dad is very wise. “Strict”, but wise. He only wants you to listen to what he has to say and do alot less talking- there will be plenty of time for your voice to be heard. You just have to do a little learning and maturing first before you can earn your platform. Don’t be so afraid to admit when you’re wrong or have made a mistake. Nobody is perfect,keep your head up & don’t beat yourself up about it.Let go of trying to be in control of everything. Let go of fear, you don’t want to live in regret. Let go of pride, some things are more important. Karyn, you don’t have to prove yourself to ANYONE! - stop looking so much for looking for approval from others. They are just as unsure and confused as you are. No one is “better” or “less than” you.Stop comparing yourself to others-YOU ARE ENOUGH. It may seem like this letter is a little all over the place, but you know me :). Just BREATHE & BE! Look into the mirror & say “I LOVE ME”. Even if you don’t right now, you will for sure one day soon. Also I finally scored you a legit nickname! You can thank me later ;)
Signed,
Kay
(Source: forbrowngirls)
