A Letter to My Younger Self

Knowing what you know now about life, what would you most want to tell your younger self?  This increasingly popular writing exercise can be a very insightful. So I thought I'd try my hand at it. If I were to address a letter to my adolescent self, it may be penned something like this:

Dear Ariel,
​You are a dreamer. There will be so many instances in your life where the world will try to change you, but inside of you there is a greater desire for you to change the world.  You hope for better in the midst of bleakness. You may not always get things right, and that's ok. Learn to grow through the process. This journey is yours. Embrace it. It is paved with Grace and Purpose.  Learn to do more of what you enjoy like writing! Your writing is important. Trust your intuition. Never let the ink from your pen run dry.  The stories and ideas in your heart are part of a greater story that God desires to tell through you. Allow the Holy Spirit to anoint your hands and give you the pen of the ready writer.  Your voice is unique. Never allow it to be silenced. 

In moments of frustration, uncertainty, or when life disappoints you, know that you have an inner strength that comes from your Heavenly Father that you can tap into.  The enemy will try to distort your self-image and destroy your self-esteem. Don't let him win. Remember, he is already a defeated foe.  Confess in faith what the Word of God says about you until it becomes heart knowledge.  Push past those fears that you've never voiced aloud and walk in the authority that God has given you.
 
​Ari, learn to forgive. Don't get comfortable holding on to past hurts. LET THEM GO. Pay heed to this: unforgiveness bears a bitter fruit.  Don't allow it to take root in your spirit. Don't be a blocker of your own blessings. 
Continue to love Jesus with all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. Be kind, be unapologetically you (quirks and all), be gentle, continue to deepen your personal relationship with the Lord. Seek Him ALWAYS. Incline your ear to His voice, spend time in His presence (you'll find that it is the safest and sweetest place), be a conduit of God's glory and allow Him to pour into you so that you can pour into others. 

​Lastly, know that you are worthy: worthy of extended kindness toward you, worthy of respect, worthy of good opportunities and worthy of love. Never forget that you are loved by Love Himself.  Your optimistic view of life inspires more people than you know. Your life is the greatest message you will ever preach. Make sure it's one to remember. 

​XO,
​Me

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