As I embark on this life cleanse, I'm looking over my life in order to continue a more fulfilling journey moving forward. I often think about my most challenging years in an effort to heal what was missed that spills over into my current behaviors and proclivities. Today, as a part of my mindfulness training I decided to give advice to my 18-year old self. This is significant because, at the time, I didn't believe I would live beyond that age. So, I often lived each day afraid it would be my last. Hopefully reading mine will inspire you to do the same.
Hey Yo,
You've been going through so much and it seems like no one is around. When people come, they often leave you worse than how they found you. I know you're looking for someone to tell you what to do. I know you feel so confused and afraid sometimes so I figured it would be beneficial for me to leave you with some encouraging words of advice today:
- Your future is as bright as the rising sun.
2. You WILL live past age 18 (yep, we're actually 45 now)!
3. You'll travel the world and live in two Muslim countries.
4. All of this pain you're going through will make you even more intuitive, intelligent and wise. It does NOT eventually destroy you; instead, it makes you stronger.
5. The people who leave you aren't supposed to be in your life anyway.
6. It's okay to cry. At your point of true freedom, you will cry a lot; don't be afraid of those tears. They will humanize you and you'll overcome everything you're cry about.
7. It's not your fault.
8. You're going to be an incredible mother of two beautifully well-rounded, talented sons who will adore you (they get to travel the world with you).
9. You are even more beautiful on the inside.
10. They LIED to you; You ARE valuable! You are BETTER than "good enough" even though, given what you've been through, you really shouldn't be. Just know that makes you a miracle (one of the manifold reasons why I love you so much)!
11. There's NOTHING wrong with you!
12. We're still goofy as I don't know what and I'm sure that will never change. We use our comedic genius to help others through their tough times.
13. Believe it or not we're an introverted deep thinker, that's why some people just don't get us (and that's okay).
14. You will live to see a phenomenal Black president and First Lady. They will be the epitome of class, grace and values. They are Harvard educated survivors; seeing yourself in them will give you a new resolve that you can do anything you put your mind to (their stories and examples will cause you to dig deeper and push harder). By the way, his wife, Michelle, is from the south siiiiiiiiiiiiyde--Chiiiiiii (and she don't PLAY)! #OnEverything
15. You will find out later on in your life that many of the people who actually had support growing up (you know, the support you dreamed and wished you had) are far worse off and have less of a moral compass than you do. Some of them will try to sabotage you for sport but don't worry; you vanquish them!
16. Believe it or not, the negative experiences you're going through right now will make you an expert in distinguishing and servicing urban gifted children like you.
17. You make a lot of mistakes; however, you will learn from them and come out better than you were when you went in. So, don't worry about it because, trust me, EVERYBODY is making mistakes. People just be perpetratin' a fraud! #RealTalk
18. I'm always here, I will always love you and I will NEVER (and I mean never, NEVER, EVER) give up on you--no matter what! #iGotYou
Love Always,
Yolanda (Your Biggest and Most Loyal Fan)
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