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The letter below is part of an ongoing series featuring letters from authors to their teen selves. If you're a published author who'd like to participate in this series, we'd love to have you. Just click here and let us know you're interested. Today's guest is Elizabeth A. Gould, author of The Well Of Truth, which comes out in just a few days.
Dear Elizabeth,
How well I remember those years, when I was chomping at the bit to start my adult life. I had so many questions about the future: Would I find love? Have a family? What kind of work would I do? Where would my adventures lead me?
From where I now stand, I can assure you that your life will be rewarding and exciting, though it won’t unfold the way you thought it would. But rest assured that every experience you have along the way will help you grow into who you are now.
Here are some things that I wish I’d known when I was your age. If you can take these to heart, they will make your journey through life more graceful and enjoyable.
• Learn how to communicate well. This also includes asking for what you need, speaking openly and honestly, standing up for yourself, and being a good listener.
• Take good care of your physical body. Health is a precious gift easily taken for granted until you don’t have it anymore. Appreciate your body for what it is and what it is capable of doing instead of judging it against impossible beauty standards.
• Be kind to yourself. When you can accept and celebrate yourself just as you are, you won’t waste a moment feeling unworthy or not good enough. As a corollary, be kind to the people you meet. You have no idea what they are going through in their lives.
• Trust your intuition. If you can’t hear it, then stop what you’re doing and get quiet.
• Know that you always have a choice. It may not always feel like you do when you’re faced with a hard situation, but you always have a choice about your attitude. This will help you find the gifts and the lessons in every experience.
• Make a habit of expressing gratitude. Not only will this enrich your life and open your heart, but it will bring you much joy. You can trust me on this one.
Love,
Future Elizabeth
About The Author: Elizabeth Gould has long been fascinated with feminine archetypes, mythology, and rites of passage. She has taught and mentored girls at puberty and is the former director of a non-profit dedicated to positive menstrual/menopausal education and awareness. She holds a BA in Art History from Stanford University and an MS in Education from the State University of New York. The Well Of Truth is her first book.
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