Today, an old photo album unearthed a moment that hit me like a wave of nostalgia. I was 19 in the picture—young, wide-eyed, and blissfully unaware of the rollercoaster life had in store. At the time, I had no idea I’d become a mom of four, balance two mortgages, or move a dozen times. I never could’ve guessed that my career would change course multiple times, or that I’d go through the painful experience of divorce, only to find love again in my 40s, when I once thought it was too late.
Looking back now, there’s so much I wish I could tell that 19-year-old girl. Maybe, more than anything, I’d remind her that life may not always follow the path you expect, but every twist and turn teaches you something valuable.
The biggest thing I would say is this: “Even if the prince turns out to be the wrong one, always remember that you are a true queen—strong, capable, and more than ready to achieve things you can’t yet imagine.”
When I look at that girl in the photo, I feel proud of how far she’s come—how far I have come. It’s a reminder that the younger version of us, with all our dreams and uncertainties, was just doing the best she could. And honestly, our current selves are still doing the same.
Moral Lessons:
Life Doesn’t Follow a Script, and That’s Okay. Whether it’s love, career, or personal goals, life rarely goes as planned. Embrace the unexpected, because it’s often in the uncharted territory where we discover our true strengths.
You’re Stronger Than You Think. In the midst of hardship—whether that’s a broken relationship, a career shift, or a difficult move—remember that you are capable of bouncing back. Just like the girl in the picture, you have the resilience to navigate through tough times.
Self-Love is Key. The real magic happens when you learn to love yourself for who you are, not for what others think of you or what life gives you. You don’t need a prince or anyone else to validate your worth. You are a queen, regardless.
There’s No Timeline for Success or Happiness. Sometimes, we get caught up in the idea that we need to achieve certain milestones by a specific age. But life doesn’t have a deadline. It unfolds when it’s meant to—and often, the best things come when we least expect them.
Cherish Your Journey. While it’s easy to focus on the destination, it’s the moments along the way that shape us. So take time to appreciate where you’ve been, even the tough parts, because they’ve all led you to who you are today.
Here’s to the journey—both the past and the present—and to all the “younger selves” who were just trying their best. You’re doing great, and you’re still growing. 💛