Be Your Best True You

“Be your best true you.” ~Michelle Weimer

My youngest daughter will be graduating from high school this weekend so I thought it would be nice to write a special note to her and all those graduating this year. Or for that matter, anyone who might be coming to the end of a chapter in their life and preparing to embark on a new one.

Then as I started to write, my eyes filled with tears… and my mind went blank. I honestly didn’t know where to start. There was so much I wanted to say. And yet, I couldn’t seem to find the words.

Deep feelings of happiness, joy and pride are mixed with sadness, worry and an odd emptiness. I was quickly reminded of the old saying, “I love you so much it hurts.” As my heart aches every time I think about her leaving for college. And yet, it is exactly what we’ve raised her to do… to go off and be a strong, independent young woman.

So I hope you find value in my thoughts this week as I write this post to her. I think you will definitely see that it can apply to you or to anyone who needs a reminder that being your best true you is all you ever really need to aim to be.

To My Daughter,

It seems like just yesterday I was dropping you off for your first day of school. I cried just as hard that day as I did recently on your last day of high school. I honestly have a difficult time remembering where the time went. I know my head is full of memories and yet, it went in such a flash that at this given moment I can hardly remember anything.

But as you prepare to go out and make your way in the world, I do remember how truly bittersweet every milestone along the way of your life has been for me. And this one is certainly no different. I am beyond proud of you and of course want you to go out into the world and make your own way. But then again… I cling to each moment I get to spend with you and hang on (probably a little too long) with every hug.

Although I am certainly feeling like there are a million things I still want to teach you and tell you, I remember a conversation we had earlier this year and I’ve decided I want to elaborate on it now and perhaps give you a little better answer.

Throughout life, people always ask the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When you’re a child, it’s a fun question to dream about because at that stage, the world seems limitless with possibility. And of course, as any child would do, you had a variety of different answers along the way. But most recently, that question started to get asked so often that instead of being something to dream about, it became daunting and overwhelming. It also changed from what do you want to be to what do you want to do? Which is basically, but perhaps unfortunately, the grown-up version of the question.   

I specifically remember that as we talked about it, I eased your mind by telling you that you didn’t have to know right now. Honestly, I think it’s a bit unfair to ask a teenage kid this question. Who the hell knows at that point? Most adults don’t and those that do, still often end up changing their mind mid-life. (According to statistics, the average person changes career paths at least 5-7 times in their working lifetime.)

But nonetheless, today as I sat down to write a few words to you in this special graduation post, I decided that I wanted to share some more specific advice on the answer to that big question. So here goes…  

The key is not in what you want to do – it truly is in who you want to be. After all, that is the original question, right? And probably the better question to ponder when it comes to choosing your life’s path to happiness. Therefore, my advice to you is this…

Be resilient. – Things happen in life that are sometimes out of our control. Hardships, disappointments, failures and setbacks. Don’t let those things scare you, stop you or turn you bitter. Keep pushing on.

Be determined. – Decide what you want to do and go for it. Don’t let barriers or roadblocks detour you from following the path you choose. Instead, work hard. Consistently. And keep your eye on the prize. Don’t give up.

Be kind. – You never know who you will meet that could be the missing link to your future. And you never know what battle someone is fighting on the inside. Be kind to everyone. What you give comes back to you.

Be love. – The world needs more loving people. And that love starts from within. So love yourself. Love your family and friends. Love your work (whatever it is that you do decide to do). And love others. Love unconditionally and love fully.  

Be patient. – Sometimes things don’t happen as quickly as we’d like. Be patient with yourself and your future. Don’t rush it. Trust in divine timing and just keep moving forward.

Be positive. – We always have a choice in how we perceive our lives. It doesn’t always change a situation or circumstance, but it can change your life. Always choose to be positive and joyful.

Be helpful. – I truly believe that when you help others, it will come back to you tenfold. Look for ways to be helpful to others. And help will always find its way back to you when you need it most.

Be present. – You will miss out on your life if you are always thinking about the future or the past. Be present in the moment and be present with others. Your life and all your relationships will be amplified when you are present.

Be intentional. – With everything you do, every decision you make, words you speak and actions you take; be intentional. Set your sights on the type of life you want to live and take intentional actions to get there. And of course, always be intentional about the person you will choose to be.

Be grateful. – Life is a gift. And every moment of every day there are things we can be grateful for. Even on a tough day, and you will have them, find something to be grateful for. It will change the way you see the world.

Be faithful. – Too often we act out of fear. Or we go through life feeling the weight of the world as if we are solely on our own. Instead, be faithful. Have faith in yourself and your abilities. Have faith in God. And have faith in your future.

Most of all, be you! You are all these things and more. You are a beautiful soul who already has within you everything you need to be your best true you. And as long as you always aim to be your best true you, you will never go wrong in whatever you choose to do when you grow up.

I love you and I am so proud of you!

Mom

If you are someone who's in a transition, ready to embark on the next chapter of your life, let me help you become your best true HEROIC you as my graduation gift to you! Click HERE to receive a 30-day free premium membership and start becoming your best true you today!