I seen this post on Instagram on NaturallyCurly’s page. Of course my cheesy self was immediately pulled in. I wanted to think of my own response before I read other people’s responses. I thought of one, which I will get to in a little bit. Then as the day went on, I thought of a few more two word responses to the question. I realize I would tell younger me so much. I would provide her with love, wisdom, and encouragement that would have allowed for so many more experiences. Here are my various 2 words of advice with additional explanantion.
Live Free
This is the two words that came to mind first. Just recently I realized that I have placed a lot of restrictions on myself. I believe that these restrictions have hindered me from living my life to the fullest. When I was younger I wanted to move to New York. Younger me, fucking move to New York. You have no kids and you are unmarried. This is the time to live your life. Do shit that you want but may not make any sense. There is nothing you can’t do. You are worthy and deserving of the best that life has to offer. Never doubt it or yourself! Shake loose others expectations. Explore the possibilities. Live free. What do YOU really want?
Shine Bright
No doubt about it I have a pretty strong personality. There have been times when I have toned myself down because people didn’t have it within themselves to be able to accept me. Or in relationships, as to not start an argument. Baby girl, do not dim your light. You have no idea how important this is. The people who love you and that will love you are exactly the people who are meant to. If someone doesn’t accept you as you are, changing the best parts of you is not the answer. Moving on is. You will always have room for growth and change. Do it, but don’t compromise who you are to be loved and accepted. The light that you give off will draw the right people to you. It will brighten someone’s day. It will make people feel loved and accepted. It will influence others in a positive way. You have no idea how powerful you are. Shine bright 🌞 beautiful! The world needs YOU!
Forgive, Forget
I don’t hold grudges against other people, but I do against myself. I replay mistakes I have made over and over again in my head. I beat myself up about what I should have done or should have said. I want younger me to evaluate the mistakes, process the lessons learned and move on. Why dwell on past mistakes? There is nothing that you can do to change them. You are perfectly imperfect and I love you as you are 🥰.
Right Now
If there is one thing we don’t know, it is when we are going to die. We take it for granted that we will have an opportunity to do tomorrow what we didn’t do today. Who really knows how and when this life is going to change? That is why young Ebony, it is important that you walk in the park and enjoy the scenery. To go to the Elks on Sunday evenings and ballroom until you are dizzy. Have more sex (yeah I said it). Take more trips by yourself. Go skating on Wednesdays at Ohio Skate. Kiss the one guy smack dab on the lips(you know who I’m talking about). Make a bucket list and check off as many as you can. Do the unexpected. Speak your mind. Wear heels even with sweat pants 😂😂😂. Ok just joking on this one. I probably would have worn all my favorite heels more often though. All you have Ebony is right now. Make it count!
What 2 words of advice would you give your younger self? Or would you give her/him any at all? I love things that make me think. Questions that makes me evaluate my life, my decisions, my mistakes. There are some people who feel they would not do anything differently if they were given the opportunity. I did end up reading the responses and of course some were the same as mine. They were pretty good responses especially when the person elaborated as to why they would say those 2 words. I will not die with regrets, but I would definitely do things differently. I would live free, shine bright, forgive & forget and focus on the right now. And so many other things, dammit! The most important lesson to take from this is that I can still do these things. It is never too late to live free, shine bright, forgive & forget and live in the right now. Present Ebony, what are you waiting on?
Drop your 2 word advice in the comment section. And take that advice to yourself to heart. Be well and whole 😘.
Run Bitch!
Trust yourself
Oh Well
Yes to all that. Lol. I really love the Oh Well!
Me first, love yourself, pray harder, express yourself….that’s a lot, lol. I’ve always lived my life trying to please others and be everything for everyone else without ever taking the time to make the best decisions for ME. I made a lot of decisions off of emotion and fear rather than praying on things and living in the moment. I’ve doubted myself in every area even when I knew better. I’ve kept quiet and been passive on things that hurt me but made someone else happy. I’m better now, and I’d tell my younger self those things and more. Thanks for the post Eb! Your responses and rationale are pretty awesome and is excellent advice!
Thanks for sharing. I understand your 2 words of advice so well and I am glad that you stopped letting things hold you back. You are so awesome and I love the person that you are and the person you are becoming.