The Golden Year
- Feb 18, 2016
- 3 min read
Dear 9-year-old me:
Hey you, It's me! Well... technically you, but still me.
Now is the time in your life where everything is a frightening and fantastic new adventure. Starting at a brand new school where none of your friends are, leaving a place that was once all you ever knew, pretty much starting all over again, it's terrifying.
Trust me, I know.
It all gets better. Yes, transitioning to what seems like a whole new world is a bit intimidating, but just remember- great things never come from comfort zones.
To be where you are again, a young, elementary schooler on the verge of middle school, a life presently full of Gushers, Mr. Sketch Scented Markers, and Disney VHS Tapes... but there will come a time when life feels like you're constantly in the fast lane and you won't know what to do about it.
So before the chaos kicks in, take my advice-
Embrace the hot mess you are. Learn to feel free and comfortable with making mistakes.
Obtain patience for growing up. Any stage in your life, especially milestones, will acquire your physical, mental, and emotional presence. Take each and every day as it is. Stop, appreciate, and admire the moments you encounter because they're intentional and beautiful.
Have the strength to stand your ground on your morals, values, and in your faith... because there are a lot of idiots out there. Have the bravery to ask for help in times of uncertainty. Have the strength to admit when you're having a bad day and to persevere regardless of the severity. Have the ability to come out of those days with a greater appreciation for the great ones.
Be fearless in sharing your struggles. Vulnerability is not a weakness.
Acquire courage when overcoming obstacles in pursuing your craziest passions and wildest dreams without letting yourself or others beat you down, and without compromising your beliefs or convictions. Disregard any feelings of doubt, self-loathing, or hesitation.
Desire a love of knowledge that is rooted in learning and not studying for the next test simply for the satisfaction of a good grade. Develop a devotion for intellectual conversations- bound by no obligations, barred by no human limitations, speaking without regret or fear of judgement, talking for hours about what's really important in life.
Be prepared to make and lose friendships. Being "popular" is not all it's cracked up to be. Seek relationships in those who listen, who REALLY listen, who make you your best self, who join in when you're doing something embarrassing...which is inevitable, who make you laugh to the point of tears, who challenge and encourage you, who hold you close when you're falling apart, who aren't afraid to have God conversations with you, who strengthen you spiritually and vice versa.
Family is everything. Ohana is our motto.
Most importantly- Accept the assurance that you are never ever alone. Immerse yourself ever so deeply in the love of Jesus Christ. Find your identity in Him only. Give up control of your own life and allow God to guide and guard your heart. You are a child of God, which makes you a princess!
Coming from the girl who is one year away from adulthood-
This is for the breaths you have yet to take, for the memories you have yet to unfold, for the dreams you have yet to discover. This is for the struggles you have yet to face. This is for the passions and strength, seemly lost beneath the shadows of yourself. This is for you, who you were, who you are capable of becoming. This is for you right now in this moment. This is for what I wish I had learned sooner but am immensely and humbly grateful to have learned nevertheless.
The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still...
Exodus 14:14
You are qualified. You are worthy. You are beloved.
Always,
Nineteen-year-old-me
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