Within our community live women as diverse and vibrant as the Texas wildflowers. Dripping Springs is not only a place of nature’s beauty but also a haven for remarkable females whose stories of resilience, passion, and grace run deep.
We proudly highlight a handful of trailblazers whose wisdom illuminates our pages with letters addressed to their younger selves. Through their reflections, these extraordinary women offer invaluable advice to inspire and empower us all.
Dear Younger Me,
Your mom was right. About everything.
About … being patient with your “awkward years”—you know the ones. They’re short-lived; you will blossom and become the best you. Embrace everything that makes you unique. Being YOU is your greatest asset.
About … the days may be long, but the years are oh-so short. You may have a bad day, but make it a great life.
About … that guy. He’s not worth your tears. There will be others, and you will be okay.
About … not sweating the small stuff. Spoiler alert: It’s all small stuff.
About … chasing your dreams, finding your passion, and giving it your all. Always be the hardest worker in every room you enter.
About … money not meaning happiness. Trust me, you can chase it, but you’ll never find “the end.”
About … sunscreen. You cannot put enough on. Trust me.
About … being present. You’ll never get time back; don't waste it. Easier said than done, but life has a way of making this real in very hard ways.
About … being confident in your abilities, not buying into “imposter syndrome,” and breaking all the “ceilings” meant to keep you in a box. Break them all.
About … keeping your word and being a good human. You will make mistakes; some will be bigger than others, and you may even hurt people along the way. Be the first to apologize. Do your best to make it right and learn from your mistakes. Don’t make the same one twice; then it becomes your character.
About … your gut. Trust it; it will never steer you wrong.
About … YOU; You are ENOUGH.
Love,
A girl who should’ve listened to her mom sooner, Andrea Vick
General Manager of the Austin American Statesman and VP of Sales for LOCALiQ
Dear Younger Me,
You are facing some challenging things. You lack stability, focus, and the motivation to do better. You don’t feel like you excel at anything in particular. Here’s the thing: The character qualities that make you unique will see you through! You have a heart for serving others, and you excel at building connections.
You will inherit your mother’s grit and perseverance, with a touch of your father’s fiery passion. This will drive you to be the first in your immediate family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and, eventually, a master’s degree. In college, you will meet a professor who changes your trajectory in life. That professor’s intentional time spent growing you as a reader will pull all of the pieces together. You will spend your adult life striving to do exactly what that professor did—to be a person who makes a difference in the lives of others.
I wish you knew that, despite your personal and educational struggles, you will find your passion. You are uniquely equipped to take on a leadership position as the director of the Dripping Springs Community Library. You have made a difference in the lives of your students as an elementary school librarian, and you will desire to extend that reach even deeper in your community. Embrace your unique path with confidence and determination—it's bound to be an extraordinary ride!
All my love,
Future Mindy
Director of Dripping Springs Community Library
P.S.—That sweet boy you meet in high school? He will remain steadfast at your side, cheering you on every step of the way!
Dear Younger Me,
I have great news for you: It all works out. Even when it doesn't feel like it is, when you're not getting that "thing" you want at the time (there will be lots of these!)—that job, that relationship, that house, that news—it's still all working out for you the way it's meant to. There is a path for you, precious girl! Know that every hardship ahead of you is an opportunity to learn and grow, and that every bright spot ahead of you is a chance to feel and express gratitude. Mom is right (ha!) when she says "this too shall pass." The hard days, the dark moments, even the wonderful times—they are all fleeting.
Prepare to be surprised by the things that life throws your way from time to time. Slow down and look around at the scenery when life is being extra good to you. Give love endlessly to the people who love you in return and who recognize and value how special you are. Remember that you know yourself better than anyone else ever can or will, and listen to your truest voice inside to guide you through uncertain times.
And, hey, it's okay to not know what you want to be when you grow up. Your unique light and talents will guide you into some of the coolest job opportunities and will take you places that you can't even imagine right now! Enjoy the ride and try to leave this place a little better than you found it.
Oh, and by the way, grown-ups DON'T have it all figured out! They're just regular human beings like you, doing their best with what they've got.
With love and excitement for all that is ahead of you,
Future Leah
Chief Marketing Officer, William Chris Wine Company
Dear Younger Me,
I’ll begin by writing to you when you were a young girl, unsure of yourself, dreadfully fearful you wouldn’t amount to much. Spoiler: One day you are utterly set free from that fear. Eventually you do accept that your value isn’t wrapped up in accomplishments, popularity, or money.
I know you often feel painfully misunderstood, that it’s challenging to express your feelings and mind clearly. But don’t worry, because you’re going to grow, which will be treacherous sometimes. Try to remember that you are uniquely and wonderfully made as you experience overwhelming doubt in your abilities, insecurity in your appearance, and confusion as to why you were given this personality. That sensitive nature of yours and vibrant imagination leaves you feeling isolated while aching for someone to understand you. With time you’ll realize that what seems like a flaw is a gift. Even the tears won’t be wasted.
Do not lean on your own strength. There is someone working in you and all around you. Just keep your eyes off of yourself and others. Look up! The day comes (before you know it) when you’re able to see how those “weaknesses” are being refined into strengths as you thoughtfully and lovingly tend to your husband, children, and home.
You also have the privilege of working alongside your husband to create and perform in a television show for children, bringing joy to many families. All the trials and growing pains provide fuel for creativity and deeper expression as you create a world within “Gus Plus Us,” which represents wonder and the beauty of childhood. Humility overcomes you because you know that your talents, your personality, your very essence are a gift from God. Trust Him.
With all my heart,
Future Christina
Actress of “Gus Plus Us”