Dear Tiffany: a letter to my younger selves

If only I could find a DeLorean and travel back in time to tell my younger self things that my older self knows to be true. What a trip that would be, huh?  Despite some of the hardships in my youth, I honestly wouldn’t change much since I know that without my past, I wouldn’t be the person I am in my present. And I kinda like me. For better or for worse. For the flaws and the fancy. I can think of 3 distinct times in my life where I could use a letter to my younger selves. It got me thinking, Dear Tiffany…

Dear Tiffany (age 13),

You are a strong young girl carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. Someone your age shouldn’t have the responsibilities that you bare however you handle them with grace and maturity. Your childhood may have been cut short but this is what makes you the strong, independent person that you are. While there are hardships yet to come that will test and bend you, remember this always, you are a good person with a good and kind heart. Ask for help when you need it and keep asking until you get what you need. Enjoy the fun you find in your life. Love those who support you and I promise, things will work out.

Dear Tiffany (age 21)

For the love of god, sell that brand new car you bought and buy a plane ticket to anywhere! Life is going to root down hard, deep and fast. For the first time in ever, you are not responsible for anyone but yourself! Now is the time to run wild. See far away places. BE ALONE! Test the limits of your comfort zone. Life will still be here when you get back. Go have fun, be silly, don’t over think it and let go!

Dear Tiffany (age 31)

WOWZERS! Can you believe you have 4 kids? You’re exhausted right? Well don’t worry about that, sleep is over rated anyway. Look around you. There are 4 little human beings that you’ve brought into this world. They’re wonderful and kind and perfect girls. I know you’re tired and completely overwhelmed but hear me when I say this, stop and take a breath and look at them. Really look at them. Take in every second of their laughter and their tears. It will fly by so fast and not in that stupid cliche kind of way. One day, all your wishing for them to just hurry up and get to that next milestone will pay off and in a haze of laundry, cooking, mini vans and mess, they will all of a sudden be too big to sit on your lap and too big to ‘need’ you to kiss their knee when they fall and you will miss that. You will be heartbroken. But not all is lost, those girls will still need you to guide them thru life and sometimes, still hold your hand when you’re out for a walk. If you offer it, they’ll take it.

 

This series of letters aims to encourage women to embrace their quirks, flaws and find strength from within to become the most complete versions of themselves. As part of the Netflix #StreamTeam, I was challenged to write my own letter along side of some of the wonderful female characters from the shows I’m streaming.