We invited some inspiring women in Frederick County to share words of wisdom to their younger selves, which turned out to be inspirational and encouraging words for all of us. Be inspired, Frederick!
Amber Hogan Jones
Founder of The Golden Path Academy, Host of The Gold Digger Show Podcast, Formation Director at Key City Church
AmberHJones.com
Beloved girl, you are stamped with the image of the Divine. Own that.
Be brave. Love is worth every risk.
It's a good sign when the world attempts to diminish your light. Allow yourself to shine all the brighter.
Radically accept yourself and others. This will alleviate much suffering and carve a path to joy.
Stay curious and listen deeply.
Curate beauty and then freely give it away.
Stand firm and breathe fire when necessary.
Elizabeth Chung
Executive Director of Asian American Center of Frederick
AACFMD.org
Words of Wisdom to my younger self on how the process of planning helps us understand the risks:
The logical model of life is plan to plan. This journey helps us understand the meaning and purpose of life (for humanity) as our time is limited but opportunities are not. The process of planning makes us flexible but accountable, strategizes alternatives, integrates resources and reduces risk. You need not be smart; but, a critical mind, endurance to solve problems and good stewardship will yield plans to succeed. The process helps us to know what we do not know and respect others. When success comes, look at the journeyman—it is the sum of the parts as we celebrate the sameness and appreciate the differences. Plan to plan, learn to serve and serve to lead.
Tawanda Bailey
Owner of Bailey Massage & Wellness and Vice-Chair of the Maryland Commission for Women
BaileyMassageAndWellness.com
Words of wisdom to myself in my early teen years, when life seemed very complicated:
Trust the Journey! In life, the destination is not as important as enjoying the journey on the way to the destination. Life has many ups and downs and many bumps in the road; and, we often learn from the greatest experiences we have, as well as the bad experiences. It’s the bad experiences that make us stronger and more resilient.
Maria-Teresa Shuck
Executive Director and Founder, Centro Hispano de Frederick
CentroHispanoDeFrederick.org
Words of wisdom to my younger self, living in Latin America in the 1970s:
Be kinder to yourself and stop thinking that you are not good enough, or worrying about what people will think. Pay attention in trigonometry and calculus class, continue with your piano lessons even though you hate it, learn to speak Italian so you can communicate intelligently with your cousins and PLEASE use sunscreen!
Margo Miller
Owner of Margo Miller Realtor, LLC with Corner House Realty
MargoMillerRealtor.com
Dear Younger Me:
There are so many things that I want to tell you; it’s hard to know where to start. Life can be so beautiful, and at the same time, so hard. But you are strong enough to get through it all. You are worth so much more than you think you are. This is something you will struggle with. You will think you are not worthy of good things in life, but I promise you, you are. So many people will come to you for council because of all your struggles and it is these struggles that make you stronger and resilient. Use all that happens to you and turn it into good. Trust your instincts, learn about your body—mentally, physically and spiritually—and let it guide you down the right paths.
Julie Gaver
Owner of Julie Gaver Discovery, Author of Must Love Shoes and Founder of Soles for Love
JulieGaver.com
Dear Younger Julie:
You are going to have a beautiful life so slow down and savor every moment. I offer these thoughts of wisdom as you continue your journey to me….
You are not too fat. Eat the cupcake.
Embrace what makes you different. That red hair you hate right now will be what makes you unique and memorable.
Wrinkles are Nature’s way of celebrating a life well lived.
Strive to be respected, not liked. The choices you make will be different. Popularity is fleeting but respect is enduring. Be true to the woman you see in the mirror.
You are not your mistakes. You are what you learn from them.
Knowing when to quit is as important as knowing when to start. Too many women stay in jobs they hate because they’re comfortable.
Have the courage to walk away from false friends.
Learn to enjoy your own company. Being alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely. Know the difference.
In matters of parenting, listen to your gut, not the crowd. You are not your children. Let them fail. Love them hard when they do.
Travel. It deters prejudice and narrow mindedness.
You know those things you do when you lose complete track of time? Do more of that! It’s your soul telling you she’s on fire!
A creative life is a passionate life.
There’s no such thing as waiting until you have more time. That’s your fear and insecurities stalling. You’ll never have more time. There’s no time like the present.
And last but not least,
Resist the urge to get that perm. But hold on to those clogs. Sadly, they’ll be back.