If I Could Tell My Younger Self …

… anything, what would it be?

Brian Warren & Julie Stautman, 700 Club Canada

I had the extreme pleasure of visiting the set of 700 Club Canada and watching co-host, Brian Warren, interview author, Julie Stautland. She recently released her new book, Trauma Queen; an intimate story about her struggle with anorexia, bulimia, sexual abuse, depression, and suicide thoughts despite receiving honors in five beauty pageants. She spoke about some of the horrific details behind her struggle, how she was healed, and came to write the book. Brian took a breath then asked Julie, “What would you tell your younger self, if you could?”

Julie didn’t hesitate a moment with her insightful response; one that comes from getting healed in the way only Jesus can. But, more than anything … his question stirred in me an emotional response I hadn’t expected. How would I answer the same question?

On the flight home the next day, I took advantage of the quiet space and really gave it some thought … “What would I tell my younger self, if I could?” Here are the first nuggets I would share with my younger self:

• Uninformed people make assumptions and their opinions shouldn’t be trusted when it comes to my future.
• Hurt people hurt people because they don’t know what it is to be loved. Show them the way [to love].
• Being awkward is okay and everyone goes through it. It is only temporary.
• Seek the advice of others, but trust your own judgement. I know myself the best.
• It’s okay to fail and it is a necessary part of becoming who I am destined to be.
• Laugh often and deeply; even if someone doesn’t get the joke. Not everyone will.
• God is real and one day I will meet Him. His timing will be perfect, but don’t wait to long to say, “Yes,” to Jesus.
• Fears will come; I can expect it, but don’t listen to it. Jump in to every adventure and thrive in the failures and successes. Life is too short to waste; just do it!
• Love hurts sometimes, but do it anyway. More often than others think wise.
• Stay away from the “bad boys” who “promise the moon.” It’s not enough to exchange for my purity. I will meet my perfect partner when I’m ready and I will know him when I do.
• Don’t sweat the small stuff; I’ll be just fine and tomorrow will come … regardless of what is left undone today.

I suspect I will add to this list as time goes on. Maturity does that to a person. For now, I have also decided to tell myself these things … it’s never too late and, if I’m not following my own learnings already, I should be. This is my “second chance.”

• There will always be second chances.
• The previous item doesn’t apply to people. Love first, slow to anger, assume the best in people … always.

What would you tell your younger self? I encourage you to take some time and think on this one. Write it down. Heed your own advice and pass it along to your children … someone … right away. You’re learnings are important enough to share.

I hope you found encouragement in my post; I’d love to read your personal insight in my comments below. If you desire prayer, please also let me know below; I’d be happy to pray agreement over your situation.