For some inspiration for your Friday, I can’t help but sharing a blog post I recently found on Friend of Guest House’s blog about advice that women would give to the young girls of today if they had the chance.
The women writing are speaking from some serious life experience, and a fair amount of hard knocks, which makes their words of wisdom all the more compelling and touching. Just a few excerpts:
First, I would talk to them about putting themselves first and that they should not worry about other people. I would like to talk to them about boyfriends and explain that they do not need a boyfriend or partner in their lives to fulfill their needs. Also, going through a through a rebellious/"party" time to have fun is not necessary and does not make you COOL. None of it is worth it…I’d like to explain how important it is to look out for themself, that if anyone asks or tells you to do something they need to think of the consequences before you do it. Life is not worth using the "stinkin thinkin" mode (stupid thinking)." –age 21
I would express to them that it’s never to late to turn your life around – no matter how many bad decisions you’ve made. Overall, try your best not to make any bad decision that result in hurting yourself or your love ones. –age 32
I would want to tell them how important it is to get a good education, that sex and relationships can wait. –age 34
I would like to talk about other addictions that are not drug related, such as money addiction. People do not realize that spending money on clothes and other material items can be just as addictive as drugs. They need to understand that needing and wanting a material item is not always the best choice. Personally, I understand the feeling of wanting something at that moment, but until you work for that item, you never really appreciate it for its full value. I would say that Money Addictions are very real and that there are many people with the same problems and they are not alone. To get Therapy and to find out how to re-train you mind into not getting the money for a expensive item, until you have worked for it. –age 36
The women at Friends of Guest House are working every day, with the support of the guest house staff and each other, to change their lives. For more on the advice they have for young women and their individual journeys, visit their blog.
Friends of Guest House is a Grantee Partner of The Women’s Foundation. Get connected.
