I was wondering the other day, as I watched minute after minute of landscape flash past the car window, if the child I was, the opinionated, trouble-maker with big dreams I was, would be proud of the woman I am. If she would have met me as a grown up and said you’re cool. A curious thought but one that had me tripping down memory lane to visit that girl.
She wanted it all. To be Prime Minister, an interior designer, a novelist, a basketball player and maybe even a farmer. She wanted her own plane and a beach house that she never had to go home from. Lots of friends and to have parties whenever she wanted. Her journal was her most prized possession. Her cursive writing was pretty darn good. I know, I found a book over the weekend filled with it.
Would she and the teenager she became be proud of the woman I am?
I wonder sometimes. I know I’m proud of me. I probably wouldn’t be cool enough for the teenage version. Maybe I should mention to her that track pants with snap closures on the side aren’t cool anymore here either… But that might break her cold, dead teenage heart. Haha. I think they’d like me, the younger mes, in a cool aunt sort of way. Even the teenager.
These questions come to mind because I find that I am very different to the person I thought I would be. I’m more calm, less inclined to drama {my Mother is THE most surprised}. I’m happy with less and not driven by the thought of needing more. I wonder because would they be disappointed? About the plane, about not being the PM? If I knew then what I know now would I make different choices?
Probably a little thoughtful for a beautiful, sunny Saturday morning but these are the thing that keep me pushing forward. These are the questions that push me to try hard, write more, do more, be more so I can make myself proud. The me that matter, the me that is here now. In fact writing this makes me want to drag out my edited draft for the Confident You eBook and finalise those changes. Makes me want it out there in the world for you to have and love like I do.
Maybe my writing mojo is coming back?
8-year-old me WOULD be proud.
What did you dream of when you were 8? When you were a teen? Would they like what they see now?
Hi! I’m Melissa Walker Horn. Around here, they call me Suger. I’m the Chief Blogger and doer of all the things here at Suger Coat It. Blogging since 1901; I love a casual ootd, taking photos, and writing about things that irk or inspire me. I love wine and cheese, long days at the beach and spending time with my family. I make stuff for the internet over at Chalkboard Digital. You know, living the sweet life.
I love this question 🙂 My 8 year old self would be disappointed in how little I read and write these days, and that I’m not a teacher, which is what I have wanted to be ever since I can remember. She would be smug about how assertive I still am, cos she was an almighty out and proud bossy boots! She would also be hella impressed at all the travelling I have done, that I am married (although she’d frown about the no kids yet part hahaha) and would be quite excited about the business/travel plans we have for the next few years. Ever since I was a kid, I thought that approaching and being 30 would be the best time of my life. Turns out as a kid, I was pretty damn spot on! (I’m 28 going on 29 and totally loving my life!)
I never imagined how much fun being 30 would be. I love it too and it started around the same time as you are now. This is the best age I’ve had yet. There have been some good ones, but this is AWESOME. I wish I could tell my 8 year old self that. Lots to love about life.
Sounds like the younger you’s just wanted to be happy, although what they thought happy would look like is just a little different to what it really looks like, for present you. Present you IS happy though, and makes others happy too, so I think they would be VERY proud. Past me’s would be a little shocked by me I think, because I’ve actually done a lot of what I wanted to do (and deep down didn’t think I could). Plus I am totes way hotter now haha I wonder what past me’s would think of my tattoos…
I think you’re right. Happy happy. And I love this, you are way hotter. HA.
The 8 year-old me would be shocked that lasted so long. Also, I think he would have been pleased. Not so much with the education, job or anything like that. I think he would pleased of all the amazing experiences I had and great things that I have seen all through the years with my eyes, The 8 year old me always wanted to see and do things around the world and he has.
I’m sure when it comes down to it those amazing experiences are what make up a great life, maybe that’s too much for an 8 year old to get but I have a sneaking suspicion that they may just get it.
Great question Mel. 8 year old me would be so happy that I’m a teacher, but would probably expect me to be married, with atleast one kid and a dog. I thought 20 was soooooo old, so I’d say I’d be surprised that at 24 I dont have all my shit together! haha 🙂
I kow right? 20 seems SO old. So very old when you are a kid.
I never knew what I wanted to be when I grew up, nor what I wanted to BE LIKE – but I think Young Me would be pleased. I am very much more confident – in my opinions, and self esteem and I like to think that would impress the anxious, nerdy girl that I was 🙂
I was only thinking the other day about how I wished I had my current level of confidence in High School, how different my experience would have been!
Totally agree about the confidence thing!!!
Me three! Haha.
Love this Sarah. I’m sure she would be proud as punch.
I’ve been wrapped up in travel planning and thinking about how I did all these projects at primary school on different countries and now I get to see them! I grew up in Tassie and even going to the “mainland” was a huge thing (esp back then when airfares were $$$) so I think my kid self would be really impressed.
Also, I spent a lot of time at the beach with my cousins as a kid and would wonder why my mum and auntie would sit back and watch us swimming and mucking around. I figured it was one of those adult things I’d understand one day — but it hasn’t happened yet. I’d much rather be doing stuff than watching 🙂
Yes, your eight year old self would LOVE that. Impressed indeed.
What a fascinating question! I think 8 year-old you would be STOKED with the woman that you’ve become, Melissa 🙂
Thank you Corrine. x