If you could go back in time and tell yourself something important for the future, what would it be? Hindsight is 20/20, so they say – so every issue, Pride gives a reader the opportunity to share the pearls of wisdom they’d pass on to their younger self if they could. This month, educator and YouTuber Lydia Rose gives her younger self some key hints in dealing with growing up, and how to allow the world to see her talents.
Dear Lydia,
I know that right now you think you know exactly what it is you want to be and how your life is going to pan out. I know you have dreamt about the timeframe in which you would like to achieve certain milestones. I’m not saying that it is bad to dream. Dreams are often the beginning of wonderful ideas. I just want you to remember how important it is to trust the process and enjoy the unique journey that you will be blessed with. The decisions you make now do not have to determine your entire future. Also, don’t think that you have to be just one thing for the rest of your life. You can be a great many things and you can do them all at the same time, too. You are so talented and have so much to give to the world. Please don’t keep those amazing talents hidden and locked away.
I know that now it seems as if everyone around you knows the path they are going to take but the truth is, none of us know what life is going to throw at us. Try not to compare your journey to others. It is your journey and nobody else’s. There is something so inspiring in knowing that your journey is yours and yours alone.
When you get the chance, I want you to find out about the life of Maya Angelou. You’ve heard of her, but I don’t think you have really had the chance to find out exactly who she was and what she was about. Maya Angelou was a great many things. She was a writer. She was a poet. She was a dancer. She was an activist. She was an actress. She used her gifts to change the world and never boxed herself in. Whenever you feel as if society is boxing you in and telling you to be X, Y or Z because it is “the right thing to do” – think about Dr Maya Angelou. She was unapologetic and always stayed true to herself, even if it made others feel uncomfortable. If you want to make the difference I know you can make, you are going to have to ruffle a few feathers. It won’t be easy; it won’t be straightforward and it may not take shape straight away; but it will be so worth it in the end.
Lydia’s younger self
So to my younger self, I’ll say it once more, just so you don’t forget. Do not limit your options. Do not compare yourself to others because comparison is the thief of joy. Focus on what makes you happy and be all you can be. Do just that and it will all work out, I promise. Just trust the process and enjoy the journey.
Love always,
Lydia
