Finding Myself

On the radio yesterday, the hosts were talking about what they would say if they wrote a letter as their present selfs to themselves when they were teenagers. It really made me think about my teenage years (although I am not far removed!!) and what I would have liked to know then. My past Samantha has shaped my present Samantha so I wouldn’t want to change anything that would have led me on another path, but I did think of some advice that I wish my teenage self would’ve had.

Do the right thing, even if you don’t think anyone is watching.

Don’t try to fill the voids in your life; they will fill themselves in due time.

Be a leader. Be a role model and a positive example for other people because you never know whose life you will make a difference in.

Don’t dwell on other peoples’ actions or lack of action. Other people should not control your own thoughts and actions.

Be positive. Don’t allow small mishaps to ruin your day because there are a lot of people out there who would kill to be in your shoes.

Don’t get caught up in trying to become someone that you aren’t. Stay true to yourself at all times.

Listen to your parents. Its corny, but they are usually right.

Don’t allow others to influence your beliefs and morals. Be open-minded and experience new things, but hold firmly onto your faith.

Surround yourself with positive, reinforcing people. Surrounding yourself with anything less than that gets you nowhere in life. 

Do what makes you happy. Be happy.

I was such a strong-willed child, but I was a natural leader that exuberated self-confidence. I feel like I lost that part of myself for a while, and now I am getting it all back. It feels so good. I really don’t know what it is, but my life is filled with so much joy and peace right now. It truly is amazing how your life changes once you find yourself surrounded by the perfect mix of people. I have amazing parents who truly exemplify the meaning of love. They have a relationship that I model my own after, they love their kids and would do ANYTHING for any of us, and they have instilled in each of us so many values that I am beyond thankful for. I have a husband who I absolutely adore. I am so thankful for his presence in my life and for his unconditional love. He was not the “type” of guy that I thought I would end up marrying, but God chose him for me and he is exactly what I need.

I have ended up nowhere close to the “Samantha” that I envisioned when I was in middle school and made a life plan, but I am exactly where I was meant to be.

I am the Samantha that I am proud to be. 


Samantha