A LETTER TO MY 25 YEAR OLD SELF…

Hey Cher,

I’ve been wanting to send this letter to You for some time now, it’s overdue actually.

I’ve always thought to myself, if I ever had an opportunity to write to my 25 year old self, what would I say? First of all, I want you to know that you’re doing great. I mean great. You’re the happiest You’ve been. You found Joy and joy trumps happiness every time. In fact, If happiness is a 50 ft yacht sailing in the Caribbean, then Joy is the anchor. Joy is far deeper and will endure through all of your storms.

Let me start by saying that the worst is over. The deep wounds You’ve endured from years of abuse and emotional pain will heal, and not only heal, but become part of your ministry as you help others to experiencing healing and freedom. Know that life may be hard at times but You are built for hard things. It’s how You’ve been wired. However, don’t wear your strength as a badge of honour because You’ll quickly find out that it isn’t. Strength looks different in the people around You and vulnerability, in its own way, is an absolute strength.

As you navigate through life, I want you to remember to be true to yourself. Don’t try to be someone that you’re not just to please others. You have unique strengths and talents that make you special, and you should fully embrace them. Don’t dim your light for anyone. We’re not meant to blend in, we’re meant to stand out…and it’s okay to shine. That one is a huge lesson for You.

I also want you to remember to take care of yourself. Your physical and mental health are important, so make sure that you prioritize them. Eat well, exercise regularly, and take time to relax and recharge. To be honest, You don’t do well in this category and it’s a lesson You will continue to try to master. You’ll get there eventually, but your constant drive will take a toil.

In terms of your career path, don’t be afraid to pursue your passions. Follow your heart and do what you love, because when You do, it won’t feel like work at all. Be obedient to God’s voice, He will never lead You astray. His plans for You are good. You can always find safety in Him and His plans far exceed anything You can dream up, trust me.

Finally, I want you to know that you are loved. Don’t take the people in your life for granted, and cherish the relationships that are important to you. Be kind, compassionate, and understanding to others, and treat yourself with the same level of care and respect.

Because I love You, here are 8 things You really need to understand to succeed in this life:

1. Don’t compare yourself to others: It’s easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others and feeling like you’re not measuring up. But remember that everyone has their own unique journey and timeline, so focus on your own progress and growth.
2. Take risks: This is the time in your life to take risks and try new things. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and pursue your passions.
3. Invest in yourself: Whether it’s taking courses, reading books, or attending conferences, invest in yourself and your personal and professional development. Leaders are Learners. This will pay off in the long run.
4. Build relationships: Surround yourself with positive, supportive people who lift you up and motivate You to be your best self. Invest in your relationships and make time for the people who matter most to you.
5. Take care of your health: Get proper sleep. Your still not sleeping well hon. Really need to work on that one.
6. Be patient: Success and happiness don’t happen overnight. Be patient and trust the journey, knowing that with hard work and persistence, you will see the results.
7. Embrace failure: Don’t be afraid to fail. Failure is a natural part of the learning process, and it’s often through our failures that we learn the most and grow the most.
8. Live in the present moment: Don’t get so caught up in planning for the future that you forget to enjoy the present moment. Take time to appreciate the simple things in life and live in the here and now. Be present

That’s all for now! You got this Cher.

I believe in You,

Cheryl Nembhard