A Letter To My Younger Self

As I approach a milestone birthday, I’ve been reflecting on the journey of my life and pondering what advice I would give to my seven-year-old self. This shy, daydreaming girl, who felt insecure yet was chosen to read in front of older students, embraced challenges with courage, earning a yellow crayon as a token of her bravery.
Life, I’d tell her, is a tapestry of unexpected twists and turns. Opportunities emerge when you least expect them. I’d share with her the adventures that lay ahead: her first flight at sixteen, finding her soulmate on a blind date, moving to America, embracing a lifelong passion for teaching, and realizing her dreams of becoming a creative multi-
faceted artist and writer. I’d tell her about the boundless love she would discover through her greatest treasures, her four incredible sons.
I’d urge her to focus on the bigger picture by not getting lost in minor details. To the girl who faced the future with uncertainty, I’d emphasize the importance of patience and faith, trusting the journey. Perspective, after all, is a precious gift that brings insight, clarity, and wisdom. It teaches us calmness, frames challenges as opportunities for growth, and empowers us to solve problems, develop skills, and become resilient.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez once said, “What matters in life is not what happened to you, what you remember and how you remember it.” I’d remind her to live with gratitude, purpose, passion, and joy, recognizing her talents, achievements, and the divine spark of godliness within that radiates light and kindness. Staying connected to her higher source will fuel her strength and empowerment.
Continually driven to write her story, she looks forward to enhancing the next chapter with anticipation of new discoveries, assured that the best is yet to come.
Naomi Young is a dedicated teacher based in Santa Clarita, with over forty years of expertise in Jewish studies and bar/bat mitzvah preparation. She is an accomplished writer and multimedia artist. To connect with Naomi, email her at naomiyoung7@yahoo.com or visit her website at www.naomiyoung.com.