A Year Older, A Year Bolder


Hie babe

I believe it would be rude to start with anything but a hearty birthday wish. So first and foremost, happiest birthday to you and congratulations on making it through the first quarter of your life.

I have learnt that reflection is a powerful thing. I know that twenty-five was the magic number for you. Your expectations about what you would have achieved were so high and now that you are at that milestone, you are a bit disappointed in yourself. All you have to show for your efforts at this point is a Masters Degree, a satisfactory job and a lot of debt (lol just kidding). But this is not entirely what you had envisioned to have achieved at the big two-five. Im sure by now you would also have wanted a nice flashy car, an apartment of your own and a prince charming to have swooped you off your feet. 

Please know that this is actually a time to celebrate because what you are feeling at  this moment will influence your decisions and actions for the next twenty five years. Now seems like an apropos time to offer a bit of encouragement as you begin to recalibrate and set a course for the future. What you are feeling will fuel behavior that is goal driven and you, my dear, will achieve every goal that you set. My advice, aim high! You will experience challenges and learn lessons along the way that will inform your thinking and your choices. You will also experience much success. I am here to tell you that everything will be fine, so exhale and relax.

Having the hindsight that you could not possibly have, I want to share a few lessons that you will learn along the way. I know you well enough to know that initially you will not consider this advice seriously. I also know that at some point this letter will become a frequent reference point. Therefore, I will begin with this, “be kind to yourself.” Know that you are intelligent and capable. Some things will require a bit more effort on your part, but your natural ability to excel will always win out. Replace the negative self-talk with words that encourage and fortify you. Life is a dance Percy; choose the moves that work for you.

People will come into your life and influence your view of the world, some for a season and others for a lifetime. You are resilient Percy. You will fall down, but rise with speed and grace. Others will admire this about you. Keep in mind that as important as it is to rebound, it is crucial that you address the issues that led to the fall. Do not allow your desire to “keep it moving” prevent you from addressing unresolved issues and conflict. It will be uncomfortable and awkward to deal with issues that make you feel vulnerable, but do not let those feelings stop you from facing the hard stuff head on. In the absence of resolve, issues will resurface. Resolving issues when they emerge will build skills you will need later when there is much more at stake.

Percy, right now, you do not understand the strength of your presence. Over the next few years, you will get glimpses of it and not recognize it for what it is. Make no mistake; your presence is an asset. However, it will intimidate some people. When you hear that for the first time, you will be stunned. The strength of your presence will flavor your interactions with others all of your life. Knowing this now will help you manage it later. Dial back on your intensity and allow others to see your lighter side. Be intentional about letting people get to know you. Share more of yourself. You will learn along the way, that life just “ain’t that serious.” With that said, do not shrink so that those around you will be secure. Do not pick-up the baggage of others and make it yours. I want you to emerge as a woman who is comfortable with herself and unapologetic for who she is.

I know you’ve spent enough time crying about what isn’t and what should have been. From now on, try to focus and what is and what can be done. You’ve got be to more grateful about the things you’ve been blessed with young lady.

Lastly, remember who you are and where you want to be. There will always be people who will tell you that your dreams are unrealistic, people who will belittle you and make you feel small, people who will focus on your weaknesses and your mistakes. They are noise and you ought to treat them so.

In the end, all that lm going to say to you, going forward, is that just don’t ever give up on yourself, don’t stop believing in what your capable of doing. Don’t hold onto things; memories and people that hurt you. 

Don’t let your fire burn out.

Keep living.

Don’t ever stop loving yourself.

Once again, welcome to level 2 of your life, congratulations on making it this far. Im proud of all that you have achieved and even more proud of the person you’ve become. Fasten your seatbelt and get ready for your roller coaster, lets have our fingers crossed and hope for a fun ride.

I gift to you, a more mature, repsonsibe, happier, driven and healthier you; Version 2.0, the boss lady, the ever and so extra and extravagant bundle of cuteness.

Welcome to adulthood, another day in paradise my friend.

Cheers to the memories, cherish them

Cheers to the heartbreak, learn from it.

Cheers to the future, the greatest story that hasn’t been written yet.

I love you 

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