Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Dear Beautiful Brown-Skinned Girl...


 
It's exactly 1 week until my 29th birthday and I have to admit that I've been on a emotional rollercoaster for the past month. I don't know why my anxiety is on level 1000 but it is, my 20s have been so amazing, life-changing and fulfilling...I've experienced so much it's got me eager to see what's left of it before I turn the big 3-0 next year. I think part of my anxiety is that I'm almost done with this chapter of my life (20s) and my 30s will be the beginning of a new chapter, with all things new it brings on anxiety and sends my brain into overdrive but this time I decided to take a page out of my Oprah's Inspiration site to write a letter to my younger self. I'm an Aquarius woman down to the core so I wanted to write this letter to myself as a sense of encouragement and exclusively share it with you all as an ode to my 20s.    


 
Dear Beautiful Brown-Skinned Girl,
 
You'll never know your true potential until you fall 7 times and stand up 8 (Proverbs 24:16). In this picture you were so young and didn't even know all that your 20s had planned for you. As you stand by your father's side at the annual family trip with his one hand around you and in the other hand a video camera that would document the most precious moments of your life, you'll truly appreciate these memories. Although it was a hot day in Florida on yet another family trip you'll cherish these family trips as they will be the cornerstone of your life and mold you into the social delight that you are in your twenties. As elementary school was a breeze and you focused on your school work for the most part (You parents are foreign---it's ALWAYS going to be about education being the first priority in life get used to it because you've got so many years of it ahead of you).    
 
 
You'll dance, act and travel throughout elementary and middle school. You'll have your first kiss in middle school and meet so many friends that will be in your life 10 years later. In this picture you were 14 years old and graduated from middle school. You styled yourself for the first of many special occasions in your life and this smile on your face will be a permanent fixture in your life. You'll learn to smile through the toughest days of your life and on your most proudest moments.
 
  
 
 At the age of 24 years old, you'll enjoy volunteering and giving back because you finally discovered your gift of philanthropy. This gift will bring fulfillment to you more than all your beautiful clothes, shoes and bags that you own. This photo was taken in 2010 where you spent all day at a chartered DC school to mentor young children and reinforce the importance of education as it was what you were taught at a young age. As you rise, you'll feel the need to reach back. Always remember to "never get tired of doing little things for others. Sometimes those little things occupy the biggest part of their hearts." 
 
After graduating high school, attending a prestigious university in North Carolina, learning the true meaning of friendship and companionship you'll experience more of that throughout your 20s. You will hold many hats in life ----a daughter, sister, friend, student, paralegal specialist, fashion blogger, aunt, god-mother and even a social butterfly. You'll wear these many hats with great confidence and you'll conquer your fears and realize that God will always have your back. You'll experience love in many ways and learn to forgive quickly because you know that you are a woman of many strengths.
 
 
You'll hold tight to those people that you can learn from the most and the one's that inspire you like no other. You'll lose a few along the way (and that's OK) but at the end of each day you'll be grateful for the many seasons of friendship, love and knowing that you are becoming the woman you've always wanted to be. Love will knock at your door a few times and you'll know which ones to answer but because you are so giving you'll open that door alot. Eventually you'll know who to open your heart to over time. Truth is, some of those guys weren't the ONE...in due time and in due season.
 
You'll also find the joy of travelling is your "go to" so you'll see most of the world and yearn for an adventure because you realized that life is a journey and there is so much to see. Be sure to thank your parents for those family trips every year. And although it may be hard to see right now, from my point of view there are only a few regrets you'll have but many life lessons that will teach you all you need to know. Stay encouraged, recognize your strength, be patient with others and let your actions reveal your heart. You are extraordinary.
 
Love you deeply,
 
Schuntel

  
 
 

4 comments :

  1. You have encouraged me to write one to myself! xo!

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  2. As I approach my 30s in 3 weeks, I too have had anxiety and been on an emotional rollercoaster. My 20s were great, but I've been told, 30s are marvelous! :) Beautiful letter to your younger self. Happy early birthday and I hope you have a great last year in your 20s!!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Keri! I hear that too, I'm sure yours will be fabulous :)

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