The growth we seek often comes from a healthy perspective of all of our life experiences, even the unpleasant and painful ones. Boise Lifestyle asked women from all walks of life - business, academia, the arts - to write a note giving their younger selves some advice. By turns powerful and wise, funny and heartfelt, the responses were as diverse as the women themselves. But they all shared one common theme: every woman was overwhelmingly kind to their younger version. Writing a note to your younger self sharing advice, wisdom, and perspective can be a great reminder of what led you to where you are today. Try writing one yourself, and share your note with all of us on #BoiseLifestyle
Liesle Doggett
Associate Media Director | Drake Cooper
You have no idea what career path you want to pursue right now, and that’s absolutely okay. In fact, your personal motto of “fall in love with as many things as you can” leads you to a life full of challenges, happiness and fulfillment. Keep loving yourself, keep absorbing the knowledge you learn, and don’t beat yourself up for trying a variety of paths and interests, because it leads to a well-rounded, creative, and ambitious person. There will be times when you are frustrated that your heart is so involved in everything you do and you wish you could turn it off. This actually becomes your super power! You will lead a team, build relationships with businesses and be immensely proud of yourself. DrakeCooper.com
Barb Perry
Branch Manager | Churchill Mortgage
YOU have the opportunity to be all that YOU can be! I can tell you that as long as you follow the Golden Rule – goodness will come to you. Now, remember, there may be many times in your life where things might not go the way you hoped they would, and it may be very disappointing. You may not see it at the time, but just know that goodness and other opportunities will come because of this. Be the hardest working person in the room, the expert, or surround yourself with experts, and give back to your community. Come from a heart of service and it will come back to you in more ways than you can count. BarbPerry.com
SYDNEY LYON
Marketing Coordinator I FINS RESTAURANT GROUP
A note to my younger self, age 20: You are so much smarter than you realize. The world is going to look a lot different in 10 years, so stick with what brings you true happiness. You will trim down your friend circles and feel more empathy than you ever thought possible. While it feels like judging eyes are on you, remember they are focused on themselves even more. Don't burn bridges, but don't put energy into repairing a lemon either. Seek fulfillment in the experiences AND the alone time that comes your way. Oh, and another note from the future; remember social media isn't real and invest in Bitcoin. LyonButt.com
Jaylene Groeniger
REALTOR | Coldwell Banker Tomlinson
Stop….take a moment to ask yourself…..Is this a decision that I am willing to live with? Will you be okay with the memory of doing this? Will it be a good decision that will take you on the path you choose for your life? Wait…you have not chosen a path yet? Start there. Think about what you want for your life first, then make decisions that will take you in the direction that you want to go. Be kind to ALL people along the way, especially the ones that are not nice to you. Live with compassion and empathy. You will find that love and kindness will take you very far in your life as you create your success story. jaylenere.com
Julie Iffla
Owner | British Italian German Motors
Buckle up buttercup, this ride is going to have twists and turns. As best you can, stay present in each day. Be patient as you develop your skills and learn your abilities. Be prepared and flexible. The road before you is not what you may have planned. Remain positive in your outlook and as you grow you will understand the joy and fulfillment of keeping your heart open, and your perceptions lofty. Be smart, scrappy, and courageous. Get quiet often so you can be reflective and understand the important things. Laugh easily and eat healthy food. You'll look back one day and be oh, so grateful for the kindness, love, wisdom, and mentorship that has come to you in your life. BIGmotorsBoise.com
Julie Crecelius
Owner | Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency
Stop being afraid. Most of the things you worry about are never going to happen. Find a mentor who is your biggest cheerleader such as FFA teacher Fred Beckman and government teacher/track/football coach John Srholec. Slow down and chill out....Savor life...build your work around your life and not the other way around. LAUGH OFTEN!!! Be happy and productive and choose friends who want the same type of lifestyle. SAVE MONEY!!! Save something out of every paycheck even if it's for shoveling a driveway or babysitting the neighbor kids. Be good to other people. Everyone is different and that is what makes this world glorious. Look in the mirror everyday (really look) and know that you are enough. TwinkletoesNannyProd.com
JAIME EKMAN
President + CEO | Stoltz Marketing Group
Believe in your innate talents, skills, and passions. They will take you further than you know if you invest in them. And push yourself outside of your comfort zone to build the skills you don’t think you have. You can develop them with some discomfort and lots and lots of practice. Any worries you have are likely not as important as you think they are, so try to not lose sleep over them. Life has a way of making you rethink the things you were sure of, so keep an open mind and be open to opportunity always. You never know where it will take you! StoltzGroup.com
Jaclyn Roberts
Regional Marketing Manager | Hayden Homes
Always do what you can, where you are, with what you have. Invest in others and remember to invest in yourself. Make plans, but be adaptable. Attitude is everything. Stay positive, work hard, be humble. Laugh daily. Do not take yourself too seriously. Remember to be patient and persistent, set goals, then achieve them. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. Every day is a gift and find a way to enrich the lives of others. Know that there is no secret to happiness, only that the key to happiness is living every moment with Love, Grace & Gratitude. Hayden-Homes.com
Renae Goodwin
Private Client Services | PayneWest Insurance
I’m so proud of you and I love you! Life isn’t always easy and you work so very hard to make it good for everyone else. Remember to take care of YOU! Your house is clean enough, your kids are smart enough, your spouse loves you enough, you are good enough! It is ok to love your career and your home/family life equally, don’t stop! Yes, you can save part of the world, keep trying! Life really does go by so quickly and you only get to do it once. LIVE your best day every day! P.S. Do not bet on the Dolphins in Super Bowl XIX. You’ll lose that $50! PayneWest.com
Meg Glasgow
Founder | Finer Frames
When you feel powerless, it’s because you stopped listening to your own heart. The next time you feel lost and don’t know what to do, go inward and check in with your heart and soul. That’s where your power comes from. FinerFrames.com
Summer Foley
Director of Business Administration | Bobbi Bullock Medical Esthetics
Life is a wonderful thing that speeds by that you don’t realize it during the days it seems to be creeping by so slowly. Please stop wasting time worrying about what could go wrong and how uncomfortable it will feel if someone doesn’t accept you or your idea. Believe in yourself because you have what it takes; being alive and having the desire to accomplish something. Accepting things as they are and loving what you have is worth more than you can imagine. Know in your heart and your mind what your purpose is, what you what to contribute to this life and then, like someone very brilliant said “Never, never, never, give up”. BobbiBullock.com
Pepper Clark-Pothier
Owner | SALT by Pepper
Your life experiences are building blocks — Everything you do comes in handy in the future so try to be present in even the most mundane tasks in life. Find a healthy balance — You actually will enjoy life a lot more when you allow others to be part of the process. Be kind — Sometimes you will have to work at this, but that is human nature. Never hold back on taking that first leap — After you take that initial step, all other moves and directions are easy. Keep learning and be open minded — It feels good to be passionate about a lot of different topics, it will drive you into your future career as a business owner. SaltByPepper.com