Dear Younger Me
"Girls have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow's workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders," says the United Nations.
Today is International Day of the Girl Child, a day aimed at highlighting and addressing the needs and challenges girls face, while promoting girls' empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
We believe that strong and confident girls grow up to be strong and confident women. So today we are reminding you of the beauty, strength, and power of being a girl. We also believe in the power of our individual stories and today, our community of women are sharing words of wisdom with their younger selves to help inspire this generation of girls.
Dear Jenn,
Life is going to take you to some amazing places, so don't be afraid of the unknown. It's your imperfections that will drive and lead you into your purpose, so embrace your flaws. It may be hard to love yourself now as a teenager and you may feel that you need to be perfect, but one day you will love yourself unconditionally and smile back at the girl in the mirror. You won’t worry about what others think and the only opinion you will care about is the one from God above. Trust the process, embrace the uncertainties, dream big, always believe in the possibilities, be the best version of yourself and remember everything has a funny way of working itself out. Also, know rejection is a redirection to something greater.
One more thing, your impact can and will be greater than your insecurities, if you allow it. Trust me baby girl, you’re gonna be just fine. See you in the future and let’s laugh about the past together.
With unconditional love,
Jenn Daniel, Founder of Princess Chambers, Inc.
Dear Nicole,
You've experienced many losses in your life and the most painful one was losing your mother at seventeen. Even in the midst of all of your pain, confusion, anger, and fears, remember that God loves you and has a plan for your life. Although your story right now is extremely challenging choose to believe and trust in Jesus, have hope and know that your life is not defined by your negative experiences because you will have a different outcome. God will send you a man who loves and adores you and your marriage will flourish. You will be a great mom with two healthy and loving children. And you will have incredible opportunities to make a difference in the world through your story and leadership. Please don’t ever give up. You will be ok.
Love,
Dear Megan,
No fear! You are capable of more than you think, so be bold and take chances. Life is too short to hold back and not take big risks.
Love,
Megan Montgomery, Writer and Marketing Leader
Dear Kendolyn,
Love yourself through the good and the bad and commit to loving yourself in every season of life. You can only love others and truly walk in your purpose when you are at peace and happy in your own skin.
Love,
Kendolyn Walker, Writer and Program Director at I, Too, Arts Collective
Dear Abby,
God's plan for your life is so much better than yours. Also, healthy conflict exists and it is good. Learn how to have it as soon as possible and you will be more courageous.
Love,
Abby Crews, Marriage and Family Therapist
Dear Ana,
Don’t rush to be an adult. Enjoy being a teen and take advantage of all the free advice.
Love,
Ana Chen, Youth Advocate at United Way NYC
Dear Nono,
Go for your passion regardless of what others say. God has placed so much inside of you and He will make a way. Other people don't understand it or doubt it because it's not meant for them, it's for you.
Love,
Dear Renee,
Fight for yourself. Fiercely. Relentlessly. The love that you so desperately want from others, give it to yourself. Nurture and take care of yourself, even if you feel like you don't deserve it. The two most important and long-term relationships you will ever have are your relationship with God and your relationship with yourself. Protect those at all costs! Being afraid is okay, but don't settle for anything less than your best. You're a leader and not a follower. Trust yourself. You've been put in Earth for a purpose. A BIG one. And life has been hard for you at times and it's unfair, but you are still a queen. And despite it all, you're a conqueror. I'm so proud of you.
Also, don't let boys treat you like crap. You deserve better. Surround yourself with people who are honest and will call out your shortcomings but also kind and loving enough to call out your greatness. Be that person. Go outside, smile, laugh, look around this world and soak up all the beauty.
Love,
Renee Reese, Lawyer and Entreprenuer
