💌 A Letter to My Younger Self

Hey there, younger me—

You are not short, fat, and ugly.

I know you’ve carried those words around like they were facts carved in stone. But they’re not. They were never true, and I wish I could take your hand right now and help you see what I know for sure: you are enough just as you are.

You didn’t have much self-esteem growing up—I know that. You didn’t even know how to build it. You thought maybe if you were good enough or quiet enough, it would just show up someday. But the truth is, self-esteem isn’t something you find—it’s something you create. One hard moment, one brave choice, one deep breath at a time.

I wish you’d known that our parents were doing the best they could. That doesn’t mean they always got it right. But understanding that might’ve saved you some heartache and a few long detours down rough roads.

🚪 Some Truths That Took Me Years to Learn

Now, I know some of what I’m about to say might sound like tired old clichés—but you know what? They’ve stuck around this long for a reason.

When one door closes, another one really does open—
But only if you’re looking for it. And sometimes, you have to be the one to turn the knob. Life won’t always swing wide open for you. You have to get up, walk over, and give it a twist.

You can’t just stare at the road ahead and expect to get somewhere.
Dreaming is a fine thing—but dreaming won’t get you anywhere if you don’t move your feet. I’m writing this letter now because I finally took the steps. Baby steps, clumsy steps—but they were mine.

And watch for side roads.
The ones that pop up when you’re not looking. Some will lead you somewhere magical. Others, not so much. If it doesn’t feel right, turn around. You’re allowed to change your mind.

Don’t forget to rest.
Sit on the bench beside the road. Take a breath. Appreciate where you are. Check your direction and ask yourself—Is this still where I want to go?

🛣️ A Few Mile Markers from Further Down the Road

Here’s what I wish you’d known sooner and what I’m still learning myself:

You don’t need confidence to begin—just courage.
Confidence will meet you later, once it sees you’re serious.

Not everyone will like you—and that’s okay.
Some folks won’t clap for your journey. That’s not your problem. Keep walking.

You’re going to mess up.
Say you’re sorry when it matters, but don’t ever apologize for growing or taking up space.

Your gut knows the way.
When something feels off, it probably is. Trust your instincts. They’ve got your back.

You can’t carry people who don’t want to move.
Love them, yes. Pray for them. But don’t stop your journey for someone else’s standstill.

🧍‍♀️ And One More Thing

Don’t wait for someone to tell you which way to go.
Take a good look at the folks trying to guide you. Are they walking their own path—or just traffic cops, standing still, waving everyone else along while they never take a single step themselves?

If they’re not moving, don’t let them guide your journey.

So here’s what I’ve finally figured out:
This road we’re on? It’s bumpy, full of potholes, and sometimes poorly marked.
But it’s mine.
And I’m walking it—with grace, grit, and a decent pair of shoes.

🌀 Wanda-ism:
“The road you’re on doesn’t have to be straight, smooth, or the one you started on—it just has to be yours.”

🪑 Pull up a chair. I’ve got a story.