Friday, January 11, 2013

Dear Archuleta (a letter to my younger self)


Dear Archuleta,
This life is as unpredictable as it is wonderful. A simple statement, but something that I always want you to remember as you blossom into the woman you will one day become. When you are a child, those closest to you will tell you exactly what you want to hear. They will tell you that you are smart and pretty, but being smart is what will last. I know that girls will use their looks to get the boys. But, you just keep being who you are. You don’t need to do all that. At this age, your self-esteem is being formed. Sometimes, those closest to you will say or do things to break your confidence. Yes, it will hurt your feelings…bad. But, channel those feelings into your writing. Never allow people and their words to shape who you are. As you get older, you will learn to stop trying to “fit in.” You are going to look around and see that light skin and long hair are favored. You will travel down this road a lot. You will survive and get through it. Your cocoa skin is to be celebrated and please remember that you are more than good enough. God said so. You will not understand this until you are much older, but one day you will look at yourself in the mirror and realize how beautiful you really are. One day, you will be a positive voice for women. Pay attention to the relationships around you as a child, because they will help mold and shape you as an adult. You will recall everything Mama and Nana taught you and it will set you apart as a woman. This is what real men look for in women, believe it or not. It’s not about the girls you see in the videos and magazines, but it’s about character and real love. Just to let you know, high school is going to be tough. Mainly because you won’t think like everybody else, but also because of your battle with low self esteem. You will make good decisions about who to give your heart to and that is a credit to your intuition. Of course, you will make mistakes and it will take you a minute to bounce back. But, you will and you will do what feels right. You always do. Trust your gut instincts and never apologize for doing what is right for you. Eventually, you will meet someone who lets you know that love is real. You will have a life with this person and become one. Always remember to put yourself first and never lose who you are as a person. You love deeply and try everything you know to keep the relationship in tact. But know that sometimes, even what you thought would last forever won’t. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you need in a relationship. And don’t be afraid to give 100%. It’s okay to do what is best for you. Ask questions and know where you stand. Believe that if love can find you once, it will certainly find you again. It will be even sweeter because you will be wiser. You will find out who your friends are in times of trouble and who has your back. Don’t forget about your friends. Sometimes, you have the tendency to shut people out. It’s not that you intend to do it, but you’ll get so consumed with what is happening in your personal world that you forget to lean on others for help. Your career goals will come to fruition and you will eventually pursue your passion and become so fulfilled in your life. You will have people that support you and cheer you on each step of the way. Your creativity will blossom more than you can imagine right now. It will carve your very existence. Fear and pain will be in your life due to tragic events. Please don’t allow those circumstances to run your life. They will eventually turn into strength, but it will be up to you. Don’t waste valuable time in your life by dwelling in the past. Practice forgiveness and understanding. Face things head on and always communicate how you feel. Be patient and know that your time will come. Always pray and ask God for guidance. You can make it through all of your problems in life. Don’t worry about love. Love will find you and make you feel safe. It won’t be perfect, because nothing is. You will accept love and be a better person because of it. He’ll be excited for you as you live out your dreams. He will tell you that you are beautiful everyday…and mean it. He will challenge you to go further and push harder. Of everything you will go through, know that your faith and obedience will bring you to your destiny in every area of your life. I will say it again; always put yourself first! Follow your path and no one else’s. Don’t apologize for who you are or what you look like. You are going to grow into a very beautiful woman. Always be humble and gracious. Keep smiling. Be happy. Live your life to the fullest.

Love you so much,
Archuleta

p.s. Rock that short hair!

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