Advice to my 18-year-old self:
Kiss the boy but don’t try to hold on. No one knows themselves yet at your ages; so Discover yourself before trying to love anyone else. Many will abandon you, because they can never know the real you... They didn’t know themselves, and they couldn’t hold your light. It’s okay, you, just don’t abandon yourself.
Do the things you love that make your heart sing. Don’t do just what you’re good at... Or what others say you are good at. Do what makes your heart happy, even if it scares you. You’ve done a lot of scary things and will overcome many obstacles. You’ll fall and get up hundreds of times. You’ll want to die dozens of times, but don’t give in... it’s just a trick of the enemy and of the confused mind trapped in painful trauma.
Keep singing, keep creating art, keep writing. The sun always rises the next day with new blessings. You’ll learn to laugh and keep going and help others get back up and keep going and laugh. It’s okay to give, but remember to give to yourself, too... you won’t be young forever, and you will need to have some savings for when your body, and the economy, slows down.
But if you should find yourself Middle Aged and with not much to show for it in $, don’t worry; remember you have lived hundreds of lives and much more than those who always “played it safe.” God always provides, and you will always be loved. There is wealth in relationships. Forget the hurt, but remember the lesson. Forgive yourself, not just others. Create as many happy memories as you can... Anywhere you choose to live can be Home if your ️Heart is there, too. There is no need to run anywhere. Always choose Love.
Written Wednesday, May 27, 2020 - 7:24 a.m.
(51 years of age)
Tallahassee, Florida
Photo/Art source: unknown
(if known, please comment source; so I can give proper credit)