Talking to Le - The Younger Me

 I recently watched a video by a comedian who was talking to herself in the past. She was trying to brace her not much younger self for what would be a most interesting 2020. As funny as the video may be, though, it got me thinking - what would I say to a younger me?

Looking back, I can see that I have grown a lot. I surprise myself sometimes when I think about how much I have changed. I can see a lot of missteps, and mistakes that make me question my sanity among other things. But they all served a purpose - they made me stronger and built my character. So what then would I say to younger Le? In no particular order:

1) It's OK to falter. Making the wrong moves will take you closer to the right ones.

2) Keep being you. Ironically, being your true self is not easy when you perceive other's expectations as important. But in the end, there is no better you than you.

3) Take risks. The only way to grow is outside your comfort zone. And you will be out there a lot!

4) Continue being kind. Extending a helping hand, whether through small deeds or bigger ones, will help you to appreciate how blessed you are.

5) Don't lose sight of your passions. You must remain an advocate for environmental stewardship and action to address climate change.

6) Accept your status - nothing is wrong with you. You will miss and yearn for companionship, but the best place to be is content with where you are. Singleness is a gift!

7) Invest in others. There are people in your sphere of influence that can use some encouragement, advice, or help finding their way. Help where you can.

8) Extend grace. Intentionally or not, people will hurt or wrong you. It's a human thing. But it's Divine to release the hurt, forgive and see them through the lens of grace - deserving of love no matter what.

9) Relationships are important. You will find it hard at times to balance work with building your relationships, but find the balance!

10) Never lose sight of whose you are. God made you unique and carved out your niche before you were a thought. Always be the person that seeks Him, His will and His purpose for your life. You will have no regrets.

If I think harder, I could perhaps add a few more but these seem to be the most critical. The interesting thing though is that these are all things that the current me needs to remember. There is a saying that experience teaches wisdom, and there has been much of that in the period between past and present Le. I must therefore not waste the experience so as to become a better version of me in the future.

Speaking of future...all these nuggets are useful for future Le too. I must be able to look back and see how I was able to do it better as the years go by. I am sure that I have yet to face unfamiliar valley and mountaintop experiences that will shape me in ways I can only imagine. Remembering all these words to myself should go a long way as I navigate the unknown. 

Good talking to you Le - all three of you. Now it's time to go forth and keep living!


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