Letter to My 21 Year Old Self
Dear 21 Year Old Self,
You know that feeling you’re having that you can go out and Save the World? Hang on to that feeling and never let it go because guess what, you can (or maybe one person in it!)
There’s bound to be rough waters but …..Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance that tide. (oh yeah, this is Garth Brooks talking but it’s true!)
Reconsider the feelings you are having that you need a man to feel complete. A wonderful man in your world should be the cherry on top, not the bowl that holds the ice cream.
I know that even though you are about to earn that all important degree, all you really want “to be” is a Mother. That is ok.
Don’t rush things…everything will come in its own time.
And you know how Dad says you can do anything “the boys” can do? He’s right but just know, you don’t have to.
Appreciate all those amazing siblings you have. They will become very important players in your life down the road even if it doesn’t seem like it today.
Wear sunscreen!
Be kind to yourself.
Respect yourself, your thoughts, your ideas, your dreams and your wishes…. and others you choose to share your life with, will respect you too…
Rest assured that when life feels most difficult and chaotic, you are on the verge of big changes. If you can just “be” with the unsure feelings, they will pass and your path will be revealed.
Be a good listener. Look into people’s eyes when they are talking to you, give them your full attention. You will be rewarded by deeper friendships and they will too.
Know that you are exactly, EXACTLY where you are supposed to be…right here, right now. It may not feel that way in the moment, but trust me, its true.
And above all else, be kind to yourself. You are only human. You will make mistakes. Its ok, YOU, my dear one, are ok.
All my love,
Your 52 Year Old Self xoxo
Nanette Faye Photography 
lovely Nanette, well done!
“you can do anything “the boys” can do? He’s right but just know, you don’t have to.”
Ain’t this the truth. I still need to be reminded of this, sometimes.
Thanks, Fiona! So do I!!
HI Nanette,
Where was this list when I was 21… GREAT post! Oh and thank you for your lovely comment on my blog today.
You are so welcome, Vanessa. Loved your blog! Thanks for visiting me here! ❤
words of wisdom and wonderfully written…want to print out and hang up!
thanks ❤
Thank you, Paula…you are certainly welcome to print out and hang up! I would be honored.
Awesome!! We should all do this exercise – the “child” within still needs to hear it, at any age…
Too bad we didn’t age backwards so we would know all these things while we are young..
Maybe we have to live through the rough times to get to the other side and see it all more clearly. Try explaining this to our “almost” independent children!
52?? Man, I am NOT looking forward to my 50’s.
Oh, stop! The 50’s really aren’t that bad, not when you consider the alternative! 🙂
Nanette – this is lovely 🙂
Thank you, Donna….thanks so much for stopping by. ❤
Wonderful post Nanette! My inner 21 year old really enjoyed it as well as the 44 year old 🙂
I’m glad, Paula. Thanks so much for stopping by. Am looking forward to your blog!
Beautiful – I loved this line “Rest assured that when life feels most difficult and chaotic, you are on the verge of big changes. If you can just “be” with the unsure feelings, they will pass and your path will be revealed.” Something I’m just beginning to understand. ~ a fellow BFTH classmate
Hardest thing for me to remember…always need someone to remind me that “this too shall pass” and then the road will seem clearer.. So happy you are with me on the BFTH journey, Lisa!
Nanette – the letter is so beautiful – the tone so kind and understanding. It speaks to a life well lived, and lessons taken to heart. (Your photography is beautiful too – it’s lovely to be in class with you again).
Janis, I am trying in my “later years” to be kinder with myself. So much easier to look back at that young girl with love and understanding… Thanks for your sweet compliment on my photos. Happy to be with you on another of Susannah’s enlighting journeys!
I’m only 22 myself and some of the sentences you wrote here are going into my journal. Thank you.
Zelde, thank you for your comment…And enjoy your 20’s! They are wonderful!
How sweet that a 22 yr old can appreciate your words Nanette and put them in her journal…Zelde I hope you can take something from Nanette’s beautiful wise words…we truly are older and wiser…be kind to yourself….you so deserve it.
Love it! Such wisdom!
Your letter speaks volumes – such wisdom that you have gained..if only we knew all of this! But perhaps that is the journey of life we must take.
Thank you for sharing and being so inspiring. My heart has been warmed by your post.
x A fellow BFTH