This past weekend, I went to a refreshing event where I created a painting with some new friends, played a few games, and talked a bit about heartbreak. The ladies at my table ended up being both in their early 20s, and it sparked many thoughts in my brain about how I felt a decade ago.
It is so easy to look back at our past either through “rose-colored glasses”, or to view the past as an incredibly embarrassing, negative memory. If I’m honest, my memory lends itself to both interpretations. Who I was ten years ago was both a very different person than I am today, and yet she is the foundation of who I am today.
So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, a conversation I had last night with two wonderful women, and reflecting on what has shaped me, here’s my letter…
Dear 22-year-old Vimbo,
First of all, you’re doing just fine. You feel like life is busy, and it is. But these memories you’re making in undergrad, they are some of the sweetest memories you’ll create.
The friends you cry to in those late night dorm room sessions when you feel like the world is ending from heartbreak will be the same friends standing by your side years later when you say “I do”.
This job you’re pursuing as a teacher after college will take everything out of you. You will love those kids well, and you will have good days and bad days. You’ll grow. You’ll keep on growing. You will realize that you actually enjoy leadership.
Girl, you’re going to be a principal of a school during a pandemic. Neither of which you’ll see coming. But you will make it. You will make it because your friends and family and God and therapy will all be lifelines that you will lean into.
Some days, you will feel selfish for wanting to take a nap or for not always saying yes. And eventually, you will learn that rest is sacred. That there is no glory in burnout.
You will learn to embrace more of what makes you, you. You love burgers even though you like the idea of having a fully plant-based diet. You love humans a lot and will get more comfortable with acknowledging that you need friends.
And these lessons about self-acceptance, rest, and leaning into your tribe, will all be lessons that you continually learn.
You have no idea what’s ahead, but here’s the great news V: we make it.
We make it, and we get to touch many lives for many years, and we land on our feet.
So forgive yourself often, don’t pin you worth or beauty to what a silly boy tells you, and don’t take yourself too seriously. One all-nighter won’t hurt! 😂
Love,
V
P. S. ❤️ If you are in DC or the DMV area, I am hosting a Galentines Party on February 18, and I’d love for you to join! It’s all for a good cause, too. The theme is A Bright Galentines: Make Candles and Make Friends. Click HERE to get your ticket!
P.P.S. ❤️ Treat your long-distance Galentine to a sweet treat AND give to a great cause by ordering online HERE!
P.P.P.S. ❤️ Finally, if you want to subscribe to my weekly Sunshine Emails that go out every Monday, click HERE 😊
