Young Me

What would you tell your younger self?

This weekend, at my summer camp reunion, I got to see some throwback photos from my youth.

In those below, I’m 15–a rising high school sophomore.

I’d tell that version of me, affectionately called Stedman by everyone at camp:

♥️ slow down—stop rushing, don’t take these days for granted, the gold stars can wait.

♥️ be proud of yourself—you work so hard and are kind and loyal, that is good enough, more than good enough.

♥️ embrace your curls—it is a gift to have naturally, air-dryable hair.

♥️ learning to embrace the opportunity wherever it takes you will become your greatest, bravest attribute; get ready to ride those unexpected waves.

At 15, I knew there was a chance I’d be a lawyer (or teacher) one day—both achieved.

How I’d get there? Those details weren’t anywhere to be seen, especially not our time in Arizona or Wisconsin.

That girl would be shocked at our adventures, at our embrace of technology, and that we became a dog person.

♥️✌🏻🔥