Advice to Me

Today's challenge is to pass on some useful advice to others and I thought what better way than through a letter from my current self to me as a youngster.

Dear Ashley,

You are such a beautiful little girl with so much love and compassion to give this world. Your smile radiates whenever you walk into a room and your presence is always wanted around the people you care about. The care free attitude as a youngster has been so much fun to be around and you make me smile every time I look at the silly things you have done with your clothing.

Be aware though, that life will not always be that care free. Your school years will present you will many challenges and bullies that will try to damper your sweet soul. Do not let those people intimidate you into belittling yourself and putting yourself in the midst of their games. It is hard but you need to ignore them, stand your ground because you should not have to change yourself for other people. They end up leaving you on the ground hurt and the only one that will be there to pick you up is you.

Fight for what is right no matter what everyone else thinks. Do what you think is appropriate for the situation and concentrate on that, not if you have lost friends because of it. There are many people worse off than you currently are and it is a privilege to be able to help those that you can with words, and kind deeds. Never think that what you have accomplished or the people you have touched in your life does not matter. It does to those people and it may have a far greater impact on their life than you expect. 

The gifts you possess are beautiful and need to be used to your full potential. Teaching is such a special gift and you will struggle with your decision to teach. There will be very few jobs out there but you need to persist and focus on your dream, never give it up because that is just too easy.

You will be given a beautiful gift to be able to transform your life into something you never thought imaginable. Take that gift with an open mind and fly free, learn to be independent, to give your heart and soul into something, to love other people that you meet along your journey.

Life throws curve balls at you, and you need to be open to fixing and changing them. This includes your weight because you will struggle immensely. Find what works for you and ignore those who do not support you. Your life depends on eating healthy and exercising in order to continue God's work and His plans for you.

When you are feeling lonely, be near your animals and share all your hurts and pains because they will be the most receptive and best able to comfort you during your times. They may not completely like being covered in tears but they will keep you company when you need someone the most to talk to.

Continue to spread your swings my dear sweet Ashley. Surprise and bless all those around you with your caring nature, warm heart and beautiful smile. Never stop loving with you all heart.