letter to a 25 year old me

Here’s an excerpt of a letter I wrote to a 25 year old me from a few years back.

You’re feeling on top of the world! You recently discovered how much joy aerobics brings into your life that it has become your happy place. Here you feel not only beautiful but also strong and confidently optimistic. Like nothing in the world could ever go wrong. Why would you even think that?! Yet you’re still a little bit vulnerable with frequent bouts of tearful anger and frustration following Shiru’s death just over a year ago. You don’t know that this anger, this vulnerability, can be a breeding ground for poor decisions. Romantically and financially. You will therefore have it coming fast and furious for a while before you wake and smell the coffee. Thankfully for you, you always know how to fix things not going well in your life. 

 The one thing you held to is your belief in God. You will go through a season of blurred vision as far as your spirituality is concerned yet you will still believe in the supreme power of God. Watch out though, this is where you will be a hot mess when it comes to your decisions. Primarily because intentional bible reading and prayer are a Sunday affair (when that happens). However, those bamboo roots run deep! The foundational values of your upbringing will bring you back on the right path. Cling on to that. It worked for your parents and generations before that. It will work for you and future generations. 

Nobody’s life is perfectly calm. There will be seasons when things go so wrong that you wonder how you are supposed to cope. You may even question whether you’ve been bewitched and find yourself tempted to seek answers from a medium, a Tarot card reader, or any source that promises clarity and access to the supernatural forces. At one point in my life, I entertained that thought but stopped myself before picking up the phone.

My elder sister, Shiru, died in 1995. Several other close family members died in the years that followed. Each loss brought its own pain, but each also found me becoming a more mature mourner (if that’s a real term), with healthier ways of coping.

As you read this, I want you to believe that you can thrive in life if you are intentional about the choices you make every day, both big and small. I hope your letter to your younger self will be more hopeful than mine because you chose to thrive. YOU DESERVE IT. YOU OWE IT TO YOURSELF.

When it comes to thriving, age is not the deciding factor. You may think you're in your 30s and have plenty of time. In your 40s, you may tell yourself, "You only live once." In your 50s or 60s, you may blame your hormones.

The good news is you’re right about your age.

The bad news is you’re wrong if you believe these assumptions determine your future.

Take Ernestine Shepherd for example, who began weightlifting in her 50s and went on to become a bodybuilder. She earned recognition as the world’s oldest competitive female bodybuilder and, at 90, is still lifting weights. Her story isn't an invitation to become a bodybuilder. It's a reminder not to let age limit decisions that could improve your life. LIVE AS THOUGH YOU DON'T HAVE THE LUXURY OF TIME TO FIX UNHEALTHY HABITS. While you can't control everything, including your hormones, you can choose how you respond.

In short, you want to thrive not only today but well into your future whatever God has destined it to be. 

If you've struggled to keep resolutions, don't be discouraged. According to driveresearch.com, 92% of adults will not follow through on a resolution. As you can see you are not alone. 

Rather than following the masses and making grand plans about your health, I suggest you start small and you track your progress. 

James Clear, author of Atomic Habits says – “All big things come from small beginnings. The seed of every habit is a single, tiny decision."

If you want to build healthier eating habits, begin with three simple steps. First, don't bring temptation into your home. Second, read ingredient labels and avoid products containing ingredients you wouldn't keep in your pantry. Third, prepare for weekends and social events. Eat before leaving home, carry healthy snacks like nuts and an apple, and keep a bottle of water with you.

Notice I'm not telling you to eliminate specific foods. These are practical steps you can take immediately.

Whenever you're tempted to give up, remind yourself why you started. Your health is one area where your daily choices truly matter. The dreams, relationships, and purpose ahead of you need the healthiest version of you.

If you were writing a letter to your 25 year old self today, what would you say? More importantly, what will that letter look like ten years from now if God grants you the gift of time?

You owe it to yourself to prioritize self-care so you can thrive; not just today, but for years to come.

I look forward to reading part of your letter.