It’s the new year, and we’re a few weeks into the goals that we’ve set. We’re encouraged, we’re motivated, and we feel capable of achieving almost anything.
This is also the time for self-reflection. For me, there are some things I did in 2018, that I don’t plan on repeating. Even more, while I’m grateful for every life experience that has molded me into the woman I am today, I thought it would be timely to write a letter to my younger self.
I’m living out some of the lessons that I learned, and I hope young women can take note now. What would you tell your younger self?
Here are the three things that I would highlight in my letter:
The disease to please
People-pleasing is exhausting and unrealistic. It took me a long time to fully understand the weight of this behavior, including the effects on my confidence, my dreams, and my relationships. I aim to please God. If others are pleased, too, then that’s a plus.
While it is a gift to have a squad, do a check-in often to make sure your friends and family aren’t giving you ultimatums on how to only please them. Before you know it, you’ll be asking for permission to live your life.
Balance and alignment
As women, we are always trying to answer, “Can we have it all?” Well, I challenge you to really make sure that you know exactly what this means for you and your life. In your attempt to have it all and balance everything, make sure that your emotional health and your physical health don’t take a back seat.
We each have unique priorities, dreams, and talents, but all of those require us to be at our best. You know what this means, and it doesn’t require being perfect in the sight of others. If you think I’m talking about you, then you’re right. Take those vacation days. Exercise more. Get more rest.
Faith first
Faith means being completely dependent on God and trusting Him with everything – even when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. I wish I lived my life like this earlier. Even on challenging days, it’s a breath of fresh air to be reminded that I’m in good hands and that I’m going to be just fine.
I spent so much time trying to figure things out by myself, when I just needed to relax and follow God’s lead
