Number one: Remember, you are still becoming who you were meant to be.
You haven't wasted time when things don't work out. Yes, time has passed, and you can't get it back. But now, everything that happened taught you: you are worth so much more than that. You have started to see that even though letting go was one of the hardest things you've ever had to do. Now you can focus on the path before you.
Now you can take deep breaths, knowing that the mere fact that you're here means your story isn't over yet. Today may look different from what you planned a year ago, and this is also true: through every change, now you know, the morning sun still shines. The moon still illuminates the evening sky. Every day you're starting to see: love is still boundless, and so much greater than you imagined it to be. You've had to say goodbye to so many things. And yet here you are - still finding peace. Still growing in wisdom. And this is all a part of how you are still becoming who you are meant to be, even when life is not meeting your expectations.
Number two: Even when life hasn't met your expectations, no one has taken your place.
Even when it feels that way, you have to remember: life can still be fulfilling at both age 16 and also 60. 25 and 35. There's no one way that it's all going to come together. And if you happen to see someone else succeeding before you, this remains true: no one has taken your place. Remember the ground beneath your feet. You belong here. You are not too far from grace. Your story might be unfolding differently than expected, but you are still being directed. Where you are meant to be you will be in time, no matter your age or stage of life. I know it's hard to trust when so much is unknown. So instead of trying to make sense of it all at once, take it all color by color, tree by tree, scent by scent, relationship by relationship. You don't have to take it all in at once. Take in the newness of it all one moment at a time, without worrying about the moments to come. Let that be enough. Breathe deep and let this moment be enough. Let this be a place where you find peace, a place where no one else has taken your place.
Number three: It's not too late for you.
Now is the time to pull back the layers. Now is the time to toss out the lies that you are not good enough to contribute, or that it's too late to try something new. You live in a world where brilliant creative minds are doing beautiful, necessary work in the world. But I hope you know that you are no less than them. You may have different qualifications or you may still be learning a skill or trying to find your place. But you are no less capable of making a difference. There is still room to do things differently. Cling to abundance over scarcity. There is still a place for you on this journey.
I would like to leave you with a question. You can either journal about this or just carry it with you throughout the day. What positive changes are happening in your life right now?
- MHN