Dear Younger Me - Episode 14
What would you tell your younger self if you could? I was asked to answer some questions about different things, like advice I have drawn on after having lived a few (or more) decades than she. What an honor to be asked by a young woman I thoroughly adore what I think on certain topics. Jacq is a curious individual, always delving, always eager to hear more. So here is our conversation.
Dear Younger Me,
Every mountain every valley, through each heartache you will see,,
every moment brings you closer to who you were meant to be…
Song: Dear Younger Me by MercyMe
Dear Younger Me,
I cannot decide, do I give some speech about how to get the most out of your life, or do I go deep, and try to change, the choices that you'll make cuz they're choices that made me…
Song: Dear Younger Me by MercyMe
Advice (Recap of the high points)
Thoughts on Dear Younger Me
Per usual I learned a lot from this conversation. Reflecting on who I was, who I have become, and the how and the why of it, was enlightening, enriching and empowering. I suggest you find yourself in this episode and do some pondering. (Oh, and not hard to figure out who is who in the above pictures. One is Jacq, and one is me. They DID have color when I was a youngin’ I just chose a black and white. Haha.)
Advice to younger self
Jacq
Don’t date, drink or drive. Your brain is young, still developing and needs some time. This may spare you from some big mistakes that will bring you pain. Not just what you may inflict on others but also how hard it is to get over it yourself.
Rechelle
Dear Younger Me,
You’ve got a wild ride ahead of you. Lots of ups and downs - just like everyone else. Death. Pain. Suffering. No one gets out of here unscathed. Find me someone who hasn’t struggled in some way and I think we will find someone who hasn’t fully lived or hasn’t developed depth of character. Great things, worthwhile things require toil.
Now just a couple of things to guide you:
*Regret is wasted if you didn’t learn anything because it’s what you do next that makes all the difference
*Make things right to the best of your ability and then let it go
*You are not alone - ever. Your faith will be there to dry your tears, pick you up when you’ve fallen, and to celebrate your joy
*You are loved. Always and forever
How to practice forgiving yourself
Jacq
When I’ve made a big mistake, I realize I’m human. This gives me more empathy. I pray. I will share what I’ve done by talking to a friend, etc. We’ve got one life to live, we’re not meant to live it tortured.
Rechelle
SELF-TALK: I did the best I could then, and when I knew better I did better
PRAYER - If God forgives me why aren’t I forgiving myself?
EXPRESSING MYSELF TO THE OTHER - I like to be understood and heard; after that I can move on
WRITING - Get it out even if you never share it with anyone
READING - Anything uplifting that speaks life into you
Dating Dos and Don’ts
Jacq
Don’t judge a book by the cover. Stay open - you never know - you might like them.
When someone shows you who they are, believe them. (Thank you Maya Angelou!)
Rechelle
Be yourself
Move forward in living your life
You CAN make the first move
If he’s into you, he will pursue you
Top 3 Tips for Success
Jacq
Don’ take shortcuts
Don’t be naive, meet and talk to people
Do the work
Rechelle
Do your best
Take initiative
Be a servant-leader
Stuff We’re Into Now Part 2
Jacq
Entertainment: song, TV show, movie, book - A Time to Kill
Tech: podcast, website, app - Saucy, Joe Rogan
Outside: clothes, make-up, skincare - TJ rose hand cream
Inside: spiritual, self-improvement, books - walking, laughter, letting things go
Rechelle
Entertainment: song, TV show, movie - Yacht Rock Essentials while playing Rummikub
Tech: podcast, website, app - Vox podcast with Mike Erre
Outside: clothes, make-up, skincare. Allbirds shoes
Inside: spiritual, self-improvement. Grace for the Moment by Max Lucado (I read June 10)
The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.
— Leo Tolstoy
