What I'd say to that girl now
Me, Back in the Day
This is a television screen shot of me in 1997, doing a live report for the very first time. I was fresh out of college, still very green and scared out of my mind. This image was captured as the anchors were saying, "Angie Mizzell joins us live...". It was the day Star Wars was re-released, and I was the top story.
A former colleague tagged me in this image on Facebook yesterday, and it made me think about all the things I want to say to this young woman. First, I would hug her and remind her to relax. And then after the live shot, I'd take her aside, hand her a jumbo diet Coke, and tell her this:
- One day, you will stop buying your suits from the Dillard's junior department. I promise.
- When you're 28, and you get the urge to color your own hair, don't do it.
- Don't run from the sadness in your heart. Feeling the pain is the only way through it.
- This career is not the end of the road for you. When you feel your priorities shift and you wonder if you should take your life in a new direction, trust that voice.
- Your heart, your character, your gifts and your talents define you. Not your job title.
- Work hard, but you don't have to try so hard. There's a difference.
- Stay committed to the journey, and you'll find your place in this world.
- I believe in you.
I'm grateful that life eventually taught me these things, even if I didn't know it—or believe it—then.
If you could hang out with the 22-year-old version of yourself, what would you say?
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