Vulnerability takes courage, and I am proud of the women who have opened their hearts to share their journeys. Like tulips blooming in the spring, their stories are a testament to growth, resilience, and renewal. In every season of life, there are lessons we wish we had known earlier—about faith, family, leadership, and purpose. In this special collection, influential women from the Broomfield community share heartfelt letters to their younger selves, offering wisdom shaped by both triumphs and trials.
Their bravery and leadership help make Broomfield a stronger, more compassionate community. May their words, like the tulip—both delicate and strong—remind you to embrace your own journey with grace, resilience, and faith.
Sherry Cree
Ascendant Real Estate
Agent
Dear Younger Me,
You are filled with wonder, eager to explore every corner of the world. Never lose that spark, but slow down sometimes. Savor the simple joys: the feel of clay in your hands, the scent of vegetables you grew, the rhythm of your feet moving freely. Create simply for the love of it. Not everything needs to be useful or perfect.
You will often feel the need to prove yourself, but remember: you are already enough. Your competitiveness, resilience, and outspoken nature—though sometimes seen as unfeminine in Japan—are actually your greatest strengths. Don’t soften yourself to fit in. Stand tall in who you are.
Fear and self-doubt will visit, but don’t let them linger. You are never too old or too inexperienced to start something new. Trust your instincts, even when others doubt you. You were made to shine—don’t hold back.
When motherhood comes, let go of the pressure to be perfect. Your child doesn’t need a flawless mom; he needs you. Be present. Sing him lullabies, share your stories, and cherish the little moments. Fill your own cup so you can pour into his.
Surround yourself with people who uplift you. Let go of what drains you. Life is an echo—what you give will return to you.
Above all, be kind to yourself. You will always find it easier to offer grace to others, but you must extend it inward too. Accept your flaws. Forgive yourself. You are worthy. You are enough. Let your light shine, just as it was always meant to.
With love and wisdom,
Your Older Self
Eva Safar
The Alternative Board®
Business Owner | CEO
Dear Younger Me,
As I celebrate my 50th birthday, I look back at the journey that shaped me—the joys, struggles, doubts, and unwavering faith that carried me through. If I could sit with you now, I’d tell you this: Life is happening for you, not to you. Every challenge, every turn, is part of a greater plan molding you into the strong, compassionate woman you are meant to become.
Born a Christian Assyrian in Muslim, Ba’athist Iraq, I was an outsider before I even knew what that meant. Moving to the U.S. at six, I carried two languages, two identities, and a heart split between worlds. In the rush to belong, I lost parts of my heritage, but I never let go of my Assyrian roots. Hold on to who you are. Your voice, your story—these are treasures. The world may try to make you feel small, but you don’t have to shrink to belong. The right people will see your light and stand beside you. Let them.
Fear will whisper, but it doesn’t have to lead. You are worthy of every dream placed on your heart. Trust God’s timing—opportunities will come when you’re ready. And in business, true leadership isn’t about titles but about serving with clarity, conviction, and care.
Slow down. Laughter, shared meals, simple joys—these matter most. Presence is more important than perfection.
You don’t have to see the whole staircase—just take the next step. Clarity comes through movement, faith, and courage.
And most importantly: You are loved, you are guided, and you are never walking alone.
With love and wisdom,
Me
Christine Bolzano
Retired Registered Nurse
Full-Time Caregiver
Dear Younger Me,
Always remain true to yourself and follow your heart. You are going to be okay.
Childhood will not unfold as you had hoped. Trust will be broken, and fear will take root, but let me assure you: none of it is your fault. You are not to blame for the hardships you endure. You will find solace in nature—a sacred refuge where your faith in God will deepen. His presence will embrace you in the rustling trees, the vast sky, and the open air. Be still. Let His grace strengthen you. This is where you will discover resilience, self-trust, and the unwavering truth that you are worthy.
People will disappoint you. Stand firm. Speak with conviction. And remember, sometimes the bravest thing you can do is walk away. Trust that God is guiding you. Following His plan will lead you to unimaginable joy.
Set ambitious goals. You are intelligent and capable. Focus on your education, and when you graduate from nursing school with honors, you will realize that God has prepared you for a purpose greater than yourself. You will thrive.
Live with gratitude. Care for your mind, body, and spirit.
You will marry your soulmate and build a beautiful family. Raising a son with autism will change everything—you will grieve, but you will also love beyond measure. God has equipped you for this.
Keep praying. Keep giving. Keep dancing through life. You’ve got this. Atta girl!
Beth Gustin MA, NCC, LPC, CAGCS, EMDRIA Approved Consultant, PLGS
Transitioning Through Change, PLLC
Owner
Dear Younger Me,
Life is short, as you know, so cherish every moment and don’t waste time on worries you cannot control. Pursue your dreams boldly and with confidence.
I know you’re curious about what the future holds, but let me assure you—you will succeed. Your blindness will not hinder you; rather, it will make you stronger, more resourceful, and deeply compassionate.
Continue to speak up and advocate for yourself. You might not always feel understood, and the world may not always be accessible, but you will find innovative ways to overcome these challenges. You will face obstacles with bravery and earn the respect and opportunities you deserve.
There will be times when doubt sneaks in, making you wonder if you’re capable or if you belong. But with perseverance and the right support, you will build a life that is not only fulfilling but truly meaningful. You will find purpose, love, and joy in the most unexpected places.
Trust yourself. You are stronger than you know. And one more thing, don’t give up on music. You will regret it, because it is a powerful outlet and a vital way for you to care for yourself.
With all my love,
Your Future Self
Jamie Chavez
Maid Right of Westminster
Owner
Dear Younger Me,
I know you have a plan. You’ve mapped out every step—college, career, family, success—all carefully laid out like a perfect blueprint. And I hate to break it to you, but life doesn’t follow blueprints. It twists, it turns, it crumbles, and rebuilds in ways you never expected. And sometimes, it feels impossibly hard.
There will be moments when you question everything—when the weight of disappointment, loss, and uncertainty makes you wonder if you’ve somehow taken a wrong turn. You’ll struggle, you’ll doubt, and you’ll ache for the plan you thought was yours. But hear me when I say this: life is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to.
The detours will shape you in ways the easy road never could. The moments you never planned—those late-night tears, the unexpected career shifts, the seasons of waiting—will give you strength, wisdom, and resilience. They will lead you to people and places far more meaningful than anything you could have imagined.
So instead of clinging to the plan, embrace the path—even when it feels uncertain. Trust that every twist, every challenge, every unexpected turn is leading you exactly where you’re meant to be.
And one day, you’ll look around at a life that doesn’t look like the blueprint you once sketched—but is far richer, deeper, and more beautiful than you ever dreamed.
With love,
Me
Evelyn J. Walter
Next Up Leadership Group
Founder and Coach
Dear Ev, EJ, Jones, Ev Jones, Big Ev, Evelyn (age 16),
If I could sit beside you now, I’d tell you three things that would set you free, help you grow, and allow you to embrace the incredible person you already are.
First, stop caring so much about what others think. I know it feels like the world is watching, judging every word, every choice, every outfit. But here’s the truth: what truly matters is how you see yourself and how God sees you. His love is infinite, unconditional, and full of grace. Let go of the constant worry—it’s not worth carrying. Pour that energy into serving others, honing your leadership, and nurturing your soul.
Second, learn to ask for help. Life’s challenges were never meant to be faced alone. In 2017, an accident left me unable to do even the simplest tasks. Asking for help felt humbling, but I discovered something beautiful—people found joy in helping me. Just as you love supporting others, they feel that same gratitude when they can be there for you. Asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s love.
Lastly, invest in self-awareness early. Therapy, faith, and programs like the Landmark Forum will shape your life in ways you can’t imagine. The journey is richer when you dig deep now.
You’ll stumble, you’ll rise, and through it all, you’ll grow into someone I’m so proud of. Be kind to yourself. Keep learning. Keep believing.
With all my heart,
Evelyn Walter (age 56)