ADVICE TO MY YOUNGER SELF

By Coach Tiffany Johnson

If I met my 16 year old self today,

She would be wearing sweats and house slippers, I would be wearing a dress and jewelry.

She would be 15 late, I would be 15 minutes early; saving her a seat.

She would tell me she wants to move out of her parent’s house as soon as she can.

I would tell her that we go visit our parents as often as we can; and hope it’s not the last time.

She would tell me she struggles with knowing who she is and where she belongs.

I would tell her that she will find her place in the world, with the help of God and others He’s placed in our path.

She would tell me she wants to be a hairstylist when she grows up.

I would tell her that we did that and although it helped women feel beautiful, we saw that it was just a bandaid solution to bigger body image issues.

I would tell her I want to do more and that we went back to college, aiming to become a marriage and family therapist.

I would tell her that we found an amazing career as a life coach helping women and youth find their confidence and worth.

I would teach her how to spend more time focusing on how we can help others feel joy, welcomed or loved instead of worrying if we’re good enough or liked enough.

I would let her know of the important value she will add to those around her, if she follows God’s plan.

I would encourage her to cherish every moment with family and friends; to be quick to forgive them and ask for forgiveness.

I would tell her that how we act is more important than how we look.

I would tell her to embrace the pain that comes, that she will heal and learn lessons that will help others heal.

As we parted ways, I would remind her to be kind to herself.

I would leave with a blessing that she may let go of the small, petty things and instead love freely, communicate openly, support others without judgement and embrace God’s plan, even in uncertainty.

God’s love combined with her faith and courage will make miracles happen.