#DearMe, Please Go After Your Dreams

Today we are celebrating International Women’s Day, honoring the incredible efforts of women from around the world who have worked tirelessly for recognition and equality. In tandem with this special day, Youtube launched their #DearMe initiative to foster a positive community supporting young girls to realize their self-worth. What would you tell your younger self if you could? What advice do you wish you would have been told that might have changed everything?

I asked my colleagues at Greenheart Travel to share their #DearMe words of wisdom to not only reflect on how far we have grown as women, but to inspire the younger generations of explorers and leaders to realize that each of us deserves to follow our hearts. Here are a few of their messages:

#DearMe,

Your favorite memories and experiences in life are going to be the ones completely unexpected and caught off guard. You’ll be much better off if you learn to just go with the flow and take life as it comes. You cannot choose what happens to you, but you can choose how to respond. – Shannon Shroeder, Greenheart Travel Intern

#DearMe,

You’ve always been worried about that plan. It’s your type A personality coming out. But it’s ok not to know. You don’t have to worry about “your future” every day, and you certainly shouldn’t let other people’s concerns about “your plan” get you down. Don’t spend so much time concerned about where you are going in life, and just let your feelings guide you. You will figure it out. That’s how life goes, and you’ve been blessed with good luck. You are resourceful, smart and creative. You don’t have to worry about “your plan” because you’re already living it. Your plan is no plan and that is ok. Don’t hold yourself back because you think it will look bad on your resume or that your parents won’t like it. Do what feels good for you and don’t be afraid to discover new options. You can try new things and not feel guilty about it! Life isn’t always about knowing, sometimes it’s just about doing and exploring. Just remember, #worryless #exploremore. – Megan Arzbaecher, Project Manager

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#DearMe,

Please, please, please know you are amazing, courageous, and deserve to go after every dream in your heart. You are not defined by the people who say they do or do not like or even love you. Failure is not the end of the world, it is just another step toward a goal and the best stories you will tell, the ones that are the most interesting, will be the ones that inevitably involved unexpected mishaps but lead to a deeper understanding of the world. One more thing. People pleasing and putting aside your own dreams might seem easier at the time, but will lead to high blood pressure later. Teach people how you should be treated. Which is to say, you deserve to be treated like a queen.  – Jill Robinson, Marketing Manager

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#DearMe

You’re thinking that moving to Korea is going to be a piece of cake, but culture shock affects even the most seasoned travelers, when you least expect it. Don’t let the culture shock hurt your pride. You’re going to struggle and want to come home for quite a while at first, but I promise if you stick it out it will be 100% worth it. – Sara Dorsey, Teach Abroad Programs Senior Manager 

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#DearMe,

Remember that nothing is more powerful in this world than an education. Malala Yousafzai, who will one day become the youngest-ever Nobel Prize laureate will say, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen, can change the world.” Malala represents women around the world who are fighting for their right to an education. You have been handed this privilege at no cost. Embrace it as a gift and use it to create positive change in the world. – Molly Fried, Outreach Coordinator

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#DearMe,

You are luckier than you realize. Your “people” are out there – do not lose yourself in others that do not align with your core self. Don’t let anything distract you from your dream of living abroad, or life, love, and jobs will get in the way. Continue on with your passion for the world, and everything will align! – Lauren Bauer, Greenheart Travel Director, Teach and Work Programs

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When young girls are supported and applauded for courage, independence and their unique talents, a ripple effect of understanding and peace is put into motion. There will not be peace and understanding in a world where only half of the decision makers are at the table, and I can’t think of a better opportunity for empowerment for anyone, men or women, than traveling.

Finding the strength to take the leap and follow your personal dreams can be tough, even terrifying. Not only do you have to battle your own inner critic, often there is a outcry from those that are supposed to love you most who feel it necessary to crush your personal pursuits with “what if’s” and cynicism. But this is important. This is your heart talking. This is about owning your incredible gifts and talents!

In honor of International Women’s Day and the #DearMe campaign, we hope that you feel a bit more empowered today, a lot more compassionate toward yourself and are inspired to be a part of a supportive community that builds each other up to go after our life’s dreams.

What would you tell your younger self if you had a chance? Comment below!