It's funny to think how quickly time passes — on a plane, in a car, in a year, a month, a week. Like just when you get comfortable with yourself and settle down, a new array of things fills your time and you have to adjust all over again. It's the same with getting older because for me, I have always felt as though just as a different chapter of my life was headed in the right direction, the end was just a matter of seconds away, so I really had no time to figure things out the way they should have been figured out. But most graciously, growing older comes with wisdom, elegance, and strength, and never have I been so thankful for the ways I have changed throughout my time growing up.
With that being said, I really have to think about how I became the person that I am. Did I grow up to become this sensitive girl, who sometimes doubts and puts herself down? Where did the negativity towards myself come from? The question is simple, but the answer itself is hard to pinpoint. When I was little, I had this fiery and self-determined way about myself; I was someone who knew what I wanted and knew what I deserved and I really settled for no less. So, then why can't I uphold this same self deserving nature now?
Here are three things, I believe, each and every person can take away from their little kid selves.
1. To Always Remember You Deserve The Best
The best of friends. The best of food. The best clothes. The best treatment from others. You, yourself, deserve the best. When I was little, if something didn't go my way, I stood up for myself. So now, where did this lack of worthiness come from? Maybe it came from the years of bullying I withstood, or possible it could have come from poor self image due to the media I was/am surrounded by. Why now, do I think I deserve so little? Because I really don't! It's time to stop settling and time to start insisting upon what we want for ourselves; the best of life.
2. Not To Harbor Hate, But To Be Understanding
Where did we go so wrong in this world that hate for another individual comes from the color of their skin, their ethnic background, their sexual orientation — literally, we hate each other for everything. As little kids, when curiosity sprung we wanted to know; we wanted to be educated and we thrived on newness. Why can't we all just be as accepting as we were as little kids, and revel in the fact that our world is so fascinating just by the simple fact that difference can be found in every corner and every crevice of the streets we live on, the stores we shop at, and the people we meet every day. Hate makes us weak. Think about that the next time something bitter comes out of your mouth.
3. To Spread Love Like A Wildfire
Remember always coming home with homemade projects for your mom or dad? I just remember being so happy to see their smiles and the light in their eyes out of their pride in me. Now, I come home and it's two words here, three words there, and I'm off to bed. What happened to never wanting to go to sleep because in that time you would miss your parents too much? Our love for our moms and dads has not dwindled, but instead it has ceased to show. Of course, we love our family with everything and that has never changed. Though, showing the love we have is only going to make this world better. Take the love you have in your heart, and wear it on your sleeve like when you were little. Never let another person leave you without feeling happier and more empowered than when they came. Treat strangers with kindness. Always say please and thank you. Check up on old friends. "I love you's" come in all forms.
So remember, as young adults or as little kids, we have the power to change the way we see the world, and the way the world sees us.
