Four Life Lessons: Advice to My Younger Self

Currently, I am in a transitional space in my life where I am following God blindly as He unveils my journey one step at a time. Now, I can honestly say this is one of the most peaceful experiences I have had in my life, but I’m not going to lie and say it is easy. 

As I am navigating this new space, I am also presented with new challenges that require me to unlearn behaviors that I developed over the years. Some from trauma responses, some from insecurity, but most of all, lack of faith that God can really make my impossible possible. 

With that being said, here are four pieces of life advice I would give to my younger self after living through 33 years of experiences. 

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1. You are enough…PERIOD.

I can pinpoint the exact time in my life when I stopped believing I was not good enough for anyone and allowed insecurity to fester within my mind, then seep into my heart. I was in middle school living in a new city away from all the friendships I had built in elementary school. I was the new girl and I was different. This was my first encounter with feeling the depth of pain words could cause to one's mental state. I would want my younger self to understand that your differences are what make you beautiful and unique. Embrace them and ignore the noise.

2. Every connection is not meant to last forever…AND THAT'S OKAY.

Think about that person you know who makes such strong bonds with people and never wants to let them go (insert raised hand emoji here). Yea, that’s me. God has given me a heart full of love and a passion to help others with an emphasis on healing and growth. Even at a young age I was able to grasp the concept of connecting to others and helping them be the best version of themselves. This is such a blessing, but when you cannot distinguish when a person is a friend and an assignment, things can get really intense really fast. I would want my younger self to see that connections are beautiful, but when you feel God telling you it’s time to move forward, listen.

3. Do not dim your light to make others comfortable…SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND.

God made me beautifully. He took his precious time to create me and design a purposeful life for me. As a child growing up in the church I knew early that all I needed was faith in God and everything I ever wanted or needed would come to me. This childlike faith and belief waiver as I went through more situations. What it took me so long to realize is that when we pray to God for a life and when we have great purpose over our life, we don’t always know what it will look like to get there. I had one idea on how I would grow and God knew I needed to be put through fire, just like a diamond to be molded into a most precious jewel. So I would want my younger self to know when you dim your light you are not walking in the purpose God has designed for you.You must shine beautiful queen and live out loud. 

4. Conforming to the ways of those against you will never get you ahead...BE WHO GOD CALLED YOU TO BE.

I remember being so happy in my childhood and just having such joy. I also remember as every difficult situation took place, I felt a piece of that joy leave. This happened until I finally felt the need to change from being the girl who would not stand up for herself, to one who would speak up. The issue with this was not only did I speak up, I had such anger and rage from years of being bullied, emotionally abused and dismissed. I had allowed circumstances in my life to push down the beautiful girl who loved everyone in the world and create this defensive, insecure, angry, victimized person I could no longer recognize. I stayed in that space for so long and I am still healing. I would want my younger self to know that God will never let anything harm me when I focus on Him. When I try to handle the situation myself, that is when destruction happens. All I have to do is trust God and know that everything is working out for my good. 

Even though it took me time to learn these valuale lessons, I thank God for helping become better each day. Every day is a new opportunity to see Gods beauty and follow His plan for your life. My goal is to wake up every more and aim to please God. I know hin pleaseing Him, I will have everything that is meant for me. I'm excited for the new experience that are ahead and the love I will share, but most of all I have learned how to live in the now.

I pray that those of you reading this will take time to have slow moments in each day to really feel and see God's glory. In following Him, your life will be better than you could have ever imagined.

I wish you all peace and love!

Chel