Today, an old photo album unearthed a moment that hit me like a wave of nostalgia. I was 19 in the picture\u2014young, wide-eyed, and blissfully unaware of the rollercoaster life had in store. At the time, I had no idea I\u2019d become a mom of four, balance two mortgages, or move a dozen times. I never could\u2019ve guessed that my career would change course multiple times, or that I\u2019d go through the painful experience of divorce, only to find love again in my 40s, when I once thought it was too late.\n

Looking back now, there\u2019s so much I wish I could tell that 19-year-old girl. Maybe, more than anything, I\u2019d remind her that life may not always follow the path you expect, but every twist and turn teaches you something valuable.\n

 \n

The biggest thing I would say is this: \u201cEven if the prince turns out to be the wrong one, always remember that you are a true queen\u2014strong, capable, and more than ready to achieve things you can\u2019t yet imagine.\u201d\n

When I look at that girl in the photo, I feel proud of how far she\u2019s come\u2014how far I have come. It\u2019s a reminder that the younger version of us, with all our dreams and uncertainties, was just doing the best she could. And honestly, our current selves are still doing the same.\n

Moral Lessons:\n

Life Doesn\u2019t Follow a Script, and That\u2019s Okay. Whether it\u2019s love, career, or personal goals, life rarely goes as planned. Embrace the unexpected, because it\u2019s often in the uncharted territory where we discover our true strengths.\n

You\u2019re Stronger Than You Think. In the midst of hardship\u2014whether that\u2019s a broken relationship, a career shift, or a difficult move\u2014remember that you are capable of bouncing back. Just like the girl in the picture, you have the resilience to navigate through tough times.\n

Self-Love is Key. The real magic happens when you learn to love yourself for who you are, not for what others think of you or what life gives you. You don\u2019t need a prince or anyone else to validate your worth. You are a queen, regardless.\n

There\u2019s No Timeline for Success or Happiness. Sometimes, we get caught up in the idea that we need to achieve certain milestones by a specific age. But life doesn\u2019t have a deadline. It unfolds when it\u2019s meant to\u2014and often, the best things come when we least expect them.\n

Cherish Your Journey. While it\u2019s easy to focus on the destination, it\u2019s the moments along the way that shape us. So take time to appreciate where you\u2019ve been, even the tough parts, because they\u2019ve all led you to who you are today.\n

Here\u2019s to the journey\u2014both the past and the present\u2014and to all the \u201cyounger selves\u201d who were just trying their best. You\u2019re doing great, and you\u2019re still growing. \ud83d\udc9b\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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