Today’s “Dear Younger Me” features one of my good friends Shatise Chism.

Shatise Chism is originally from Los Angeles, California. However, she is a true Texan in that she was raised in Dallas, Texas. Shatise’s family is everything to her and she enjoys making countless memories with them. Shatise recently married Michael Chism. Together they are the parents to Marquise (14), Mehki (8), Mason (3, twin) and Madison (3, twin) Chism. Let’s just say that there is never a dull moment in their household. Shatise works full time and is pursuing her master’s degree at Abilene Christian University. In addition, she is pursuing a long-time dream and hobby of modeling. It would be a dream come true if she was able to model on a full-time basis.  She lives by the motto: No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.

Thank you Shatise for sharing today. Hope everyone enjoys this letter. Happy Saturday!

Dear (the uncertain and fragile) Shatise,

YOU ARE ENOUGH! Point blank period! Don’t try and conform to what you think people will like, simply be 100% Shatise. Remember, no one can beat you at being you. Now brace yourself life is NOT going to go as planned. Don’t panic! I know you’re a planner and not knowing the outcome makes you uncomfortable. Well my dear, that’s called faith. You know that God has you in the plan of His hands. Lean into Him. I promise you He won’t fail you. You may not be able to, but He always can. Simply, trust the process.

Most of your life you will struggle with the fear of failure. When you finally do realize your potential, you will be a beast! (In a good way.) 😊 Then and only then will you truly thrive. Don’t wait, life is too short. Do it afraid! If you do in fact fail (and you will at times), assess it, tweak it, and try it again. Then try it again and again if you need to. If something won’t matter in 5 years don’t waste more than 5 minutes thinking about it.

Live within your means, save as much money as you can and build a solid financial foundation for yourself. There is nothing cute about being broke and after you graduate college the struggle is real. So, prepare yourself. This world is cruel. Put on your boxing gloves and gear up for whatever it will throw your way. Lean in, I want to let you in on a little secret. Whatever life throws your way, you already have what it takes to handle it.

Sometimes all you can offer someone is your word. So, make sure you do what you say you are going to do. Be reliable. People don’t have to be nice to you so make sure to always show gratitude. Last but certainly not least, how you look is a direct reflection of how you feel about yourself. Keep up your appearance. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. Love hard, laugh often and live life like there is no tomorrow.

Sincerely,

(the bold, confident, fearless)

Shatise S. Chism