To my younger self,
I’d love to give you some advice from my journey between now and then, although, knowing you, you’ll want to figure it out on your own. Just keep these things in mind as you travel your path, especially when the going seems slow and wearisome.
First of all, keep going – Things can turn around for you faster than you realize. Every moment provides the opportunity to do something differently, and you are always in control of your actions. Even the tiniest step forward is better than no step at all.
Reach out – There are more people than you would imagine who want to support you, help you, buoy you up with love and compassion, if only you’d let them in. You don’t have to do any of this alone.
Relax – Life itself supports you so you can drop the fears and resistance that hold you back. It really is easier that way. Relaxing into the flow of life is about feeling good, so focus on what lights up your spirit.
Honor your form – Love every part of your body. You are more beautiful than you know.
Listen in – All of those hunches and instincts are your truth, and no one can take that away from you. Your highest self will never steer you off-course. Keep writing to uncover what lies just beneath the surface.
The man of your dreams, the career of your dreams, and the lifestyle of your dreams are all on their way. They seek you as much as you seek them. Do not settle for anything less than awesome.
Know that there is nothing in this world than can beat you down, unless you allow it. Choice is one of the most powerful things you have. Another is love.
Let your love shine – Remember that everyone is enduring their personal battles so meet them with loving-kindness. Everyone you meet can be your teacher and your student.
Keep dreaming. I believe in you, kid.
The universe is waiting on you to move, act, become, explore all of your potential, make mistakes and grow. In the big picture, you cannot get this thing wrong.
Sending love and hugs back through the years,
Mindie
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t be so hard on yourSelf. There are no mistakes. Don’t worry so much of what everyone else is doing – You are unique in what you do and how you do it.
Absolutely LOVE your letter!! Thank you for sharing!! You are amazing!!
I LOVE this Mindie! Thanks for sharing it.
To MY younger self:
1) Pay NO attention to what the world, or anyone in it, thinks of you. Be willing to look foolish and be wrong. It’s absolutely, positively okay to make mistakes.
2) Play FULL OUT! No matter what you do, if it’s worth doing it’s worth doing 100%. If you’re not willing to do something with 100% effort and passion it’s probably not worth doing at all.
3) Follow your dreams. As you get older a lot of people will tell you, “You should be a stand-up comedian…you’re SO funny!” Don’t just try it a couple of times and then “get real,” go for it.
4) Be passionate. Play with passion, rest with passion, love with passion…do everything with a full heart.
5) It’s okay to be afraid but in almost every instance you shouldn’t let it stop you. Fear of getting hit by a car is a smart emotion when you’re trying to cross a busy street. Fear of rejection because “she’s too good looking for me” is dopey. (See #1)
6) You don’t have to do things just because “That’s the way they’re done.” Not everyone is cut out for college, or marriage, or parenthood. Those things offer lots of value for many but not for everyone. If you know something isn’t right for you, it isn’t right for you, even if it’s “right” for almost everyone else.
7) Take care of yourself. While indulgence is fun and okay at times, eat healthy and exercise regularly. You only get one body…make it the best body it can be.
8) Listen to your gut. You are a piece of God and you will ALWAYS know the right thing to do. Don’t ignore the voice inside your head or the feeling in your belly. ALWAYS do the right thing.
9) If you see something “wrong,” try your best to make it right. You don’t have to change the world but it’s not okay to leave everything to someone else. The blind person at the street corner who looks like they haven’t bathed in a month? Be the one to help him or her across the street instead of thinking, “Someone else will do it.”
10) Love yourself unconditionally no matter what the outside circumstances are. You are magnificent. Don’t ever waste a second denying it.
11) Realize that no one is perfect and no one needs to be. If someone makes a mistake, it doesn’t necessarily mean that your belief in them has to die. You can still love and believe in them while realizing they’re human too.
12) Study everything that interests you with intensity. Don’t give up. The piano lessons that Mom is going to start when you’re 6? Stick with it. The guitar lessons you begged for when you were 10? Even though you’ll take the lessons each week for 2 years you need to practice every day. You actually CAN become a fabulous, working musician. (Just in case the stand-up comedy thing doesn’t work it.
13) Stay in “wonder.” The world is filled with magnificence. Don’t get jaded. You’ll see…even when you’re 56, fireworks will still make you ooh and ahh.
Jeff, this is awesome. Thank you so much for sharing! So many great thoughts… I love “stay in wonder.”
Totally!
purely lovely!
many thanks!
Thank you!
my pleasure, Jess. hope you’re well!
Mindie,
Asante sana for sharing!! Good things to remember and follow when life’s “hurdles” appear to be insurmountable :)
Karibu, Vishal. =)
Thanks for visiting.
This is beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing Mindie. You are f’n fantastic! :) xo
Right back at you, Heather! Thank you!! =)