Vibrant Nation

postcards to our younger selves

Every Vibrant Nation member is invited to write a postcard to her younger self. To write your own postcard:

1. Select my VN at the top of the page.
2. Select a postcard to my younger self.
3. Write your postcard and save it.

Here are some of our favorites.


Grandma Esther"Be steady as the North Star and flexible as the wind."
From Grandma Esther


princess of getting up again"What were you so AFRAID of?"
From princess of getting up again


sam crespi”Never stop asking questions and you'll never be old."
From sam crespi


PatG”Remember: It was amateurs who built the ark and professionals who built the Titanic."
Act on your good ideas!
From PatG


Memeg"Just because you are not the target doesn't mean you shouldn't duck."
From Memeg


KatLMat"Be tuffer, you sissy."
From KatLMat


DLONG"Ignore the doughheads and find those you can relate to."
From DLONG


sagein2010"I'm sorry that I moved so far away from you throughout the years."
Seems like in my age I've found myself embracing you more and more. You really were okay and I'm sorry I often doubted you.
From sagein2010


PegSophie1916"Breathe deep."
From PegSophie1916


Rosie Posie"Seek wise people. When in doubt, do the kindest thing."
From Rosie Posie


missnina"Keep doing the work!"
From Rosie Posie


Annie51"Be the kind of woman that when your feet hit the ground each morning the devil says, 'OH CRAP, SHE'S UP!'"
From Annie51





To write your own postcard, just click on the "my VN" link at the top of this page. Then, select the "edit your profile" link underneath your member photo and scroll down to the postcards section.

responses (49)

Persis Hill said to VN members
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Believe in yourself. Don't let anyone make you feel less then you are.

8 members love this!
candyalex said to VN members
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Note to Self... Don't talk yourself too seriously... remember when your 60 you will think 50 was young so think young now.  Schedule yourself in your calendar, use the name of someone you admire.

Be happy where you are... love who your with... let them go when it's time... take a bubble bath with a man... take a vacation alone .... if you want a man in our like make room for him ... In life fake it untill you make it.. but never in love.

3 members love this!
candyalex said to candyalex
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Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously.. but do proof read everything you write...

3 members love this!
pg58 said to VN members
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Listen to that place that only you know within.  It speaks quietly and softly to you-guiding the way.

3 members love this!
satinasmom said to pg58
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This is perfect for me, I only wish I had used it the night it was screaming at me.  I, along with others were held up at gunpoint.  Next time, I'm listening loud and clear

old teenager said to VN members
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TO MYSELF: You are SPECIAL. Those labels are untrue. Please stop bumping your head over and over again, there isn't that much time. your children will be less damaged if you can start loving yourself a lot earlier than 37. See how powerful you can be? See all the accomplishments you've made and how vigarous you attack a project, goal, career and life when you set your mind on it. You are worth so much, and so many people will benefit from your gift, just as soon as you start to learn how to let go of the lonely dirty road you chose to travel on in route to this moment. It is not too late, you CAN AND YOU WILL.


1 member loves this!
cf63 said to old teenager
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I am still trying to learn how to do this at 57; My two daughters are becoming the parent and trying to provide sound and wise advice so I can try to be happy - how does that happen? I thought I would be the one who would always be the teacher, counselor and confident to them

4 members love this!
Mags said to cf63
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isn't that interesting, I am 58 and trying to adjust and accept the idea that my three children have grown up...26, 28, 32...and four grands.

It catches me off guard often when I hear words of 'wisdom' coming from the mouths of babes.  I have to take a few minutes and process their comments....than realize they are RIGHT..they have seen what I have not....CHEERS to our kids !

2 members love this!
satinasmom said to cf63
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Rats, I just lost my response to you so now having to retype it, I hope I can remember all that i said: 

CF, you and I are traveling in the same boat and are the same age.  Our son is now 16 years young and we have been trying to really connect over this past year.  I've been depressed since our son was two years old because he was telling me that he didn't love me.  That broke my heart into a million pieces and to this day, I haven't been able to fully repair it.  

I didn't meet the man of my dreams until I was 39 years old...he also being the same age and just like me, never married. We put our careers first.  Anyway..getting a little off track, sorry!  In my 20's I wanted to have kids but not finding the right mate made things more difficult as I didn't (at one time), want to have a child out of wedlock.  My time clock was ticking and I really did want to have a child before I was 25, but my wonderful mother talked me out of it. (Gladly so, at the time).After getting past the time clock issue, I was fine and happy that I had decided not to pursue having any children. Life went on as normal....well, it went normal for about another 10 years before I met the man of my dreams.  We met in June of 92 and were married on Halloween of 92.  

We talked about having children, he wanted them and at first I didn't want them but he was the "end of the line" baby....(or so I thought)...I didn't realize at the time that he had a younger brother living in England who by this time has had two babies by two different women. I got to thinking how nice it would be to have kids so I turned my thinking around and set my sights on a new light. We had our so in December of 1993.  The first two years were wonderful, I was a stay at home mom with our son and then I had decided it was time to put him in day care.  It was about that time when he started to tell me that he didn't love me but I wasn't catching on to why he was saying this. It could have been because we put him in the day care.  

After a while, I started to distance myself from him and just went through the motions to take care of him.  Over the years I thought, I will work on getting closer to him by such and such an age. Huge mistake as that "getting closer" stuff just didn't happen.  It wasn't until he turned 14 that I knew I had to do something in order to get back to our son so I started working on getting closer to him.  

He has definitely changed for the better and so have I.  He has become a young adult, has matured beyond his years, extremely intelligent, ,takes  college courses and drives his own vehicle, (we bought for him when he turned 16). I can happily say that I am getting past the depression I've had for the past 14 years which I know will not disappear over night but with my more positive outlook on life which includes our son in almost everything, I am seeing a brighter light.  

Sorry for the dragged out message but what I'm trying to say is that maybe in the back of your mind, you had a hidden thought that you really did't want to have children but went with it anyway because that is what your husband wanted, you wanted to make him happy at your expense. Just like I did,but i unfortunately was in the know about what I was doing.  Yes, I know, I am paying for it now and have been for years but I am slowly turning all of it around for the positive and happy future. 

Kathie Bianchi said to VN members
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HI kATE,

I am writting to you to let you know, everything remains the same.....Dad and I have a younger daughter, named Christina, and we love her as much as we love the two other children, Toby and Molly.  I am still in grade school, making cup cakes and I still refuse to be a scout leader.  I am still sneaking around with a newport hid in the China Hutch.  Sometimes, as usual, I can not wait till Christina goes to school, so I can have a cig. and cup of coffee.  Things remain the same.  I still worry about the kids and that everything will go well.  Always planning the holidays and praying that everyone will be safe.  Pasta on wednesday, and church on Sunday with a big breakfast.  My life remains the same and I am only getting younger cuz I have to learn how to be young....text messaging is my favorite,,,,,I say a prayer before my message OMG.  I am good....LOL Kathie

albrighto said to VN members
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I am glad to read these comments

Colorado Chic said to VN members
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I have so many emotions looking back at my younger self. I look at the sweet, shy little girl who's mother didn't support and help her when she needed it. My father was killed in the Korean War when I was three. I didn't get a very good start in life and wish I had been a stronger person and not someone always looking for someone else to save her. I'm going to be 60 next month and look back amazed how time flies by. I want to instill in my grandchildren not to waste one second and enjoy life. I am just now (the last few years) enjoying and appreciating life. I wish everyone the same.

3 members love this!
MSsenior said to Colorado Chic
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Just look at what you have become and be proud and strong.  Be 60 and then 70 and then grow more and love every minute.  Your grandchildren are so lucky to have you and they know it!

3 members love this!
mcorbett4@cfl.rr.com said to VN members
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Be still and listen . You have a great deal to learn .

5 members love this!
imaginesjm said to VN members
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This, too, shall pass.  If He brings you to it, God will get you through it.

8 members love this!
MountainMom said to imaginesjm
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It didn't come to stay, it came to pass :->

6 members love this!
norma said to imaginesjm
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Thank you! Never read a Bible cuote on VN!

On the contrary it's AGAINST FAITH! Based on SELF .....

norma (a christian)

smcgaha said to norma
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how do I read the rest of this post?

 

missbhaven said to imaginesjm
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this is one of my favorite passages of scripture and it is so true

Memeg said to imaginesjm
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Yes, she shall! ; )

SANDRA BARNES said to VN members
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LISTEN!!!

MountainMom said to SANDRA BARNES
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Here and now!

Pennie541 said to VN members
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Don't play it safe. Choose a GOOD college because you are smart enough to make it through! Don't get married right after you finish school, try living on your own because it will give you the confidence you will need later on. Don't waste time being angry at the older women in your life..they actually know a few things you don't. Consider your mother and your older sister, as well as your aunt, resources. You don't have to DO everything they say, but think about what they say and why they are saying it.

3 members love this!
Eleanor Spaziano said to VN members
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Look at how far you have come.. But don't forget the struggles because they have help you develop into the confident, educated and professional woman who doesn't have all those fears.  You even love your name now.

2 members love this!
wkjejones said to VN members
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When you fall down you can always get up!!!

2 members love this!
jasmine said to VN members
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make good happy memories!

2 members love this!
gwendolyn said to VN members
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This year I turned 50. So many of the voices in hear speak such wisdom. I am awed listening to the women here...and I recognize myself in their voices. My life has been less than plentiful when it comes to women encircling me in community in my life. How I long to have more female company, community around me as a means of understanding myself and feeling connected through the recognition and appreciation of them. As I read the post cards here it was like a thirst was being quenched. Thank you.

4 members love this!
gwendolyn said to VN members
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This year I turned 50. So many of the voices in hear speak such wisdom. I am awed listening to the women here...and I recognize myself in their voices. My life has been less than plentiful when it comes to women encircling me in community in my life. How I long to have more female company, community around me as a means of understanding myself and feeling connected through the recognition and appreciation of them. As I read the post cards here it was like a thirst was being quenched. Thank you.

DStanworth said to VN members
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Do justly,walk humbly with thy God

3 members love this!
deb ripley said to VN members
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Deb, only sit and watch the clouds go by for a short time. Stay in the race and do not stop. If you stop; you could stop for a long time and it's tough to get back in...sometimes you never do. It sounds sad but then other doors and windows open that allow you to continue to grow in different ways than you would ever suspect. Learn to look at faces versus clothing, houses, cars or jobs. See people for what they are...just people. Get a higher education of knowledge so that you can critically think. It's important. Doing this will help you sort through all the bullshit life will throw. Have women friends. Do not waste time finding them. Nurture your relationships. Call. Send cards. Notice achievements. Give positive reinforcement. Quit being critical. For every thought you think, say something positive because that is who others want to be around.

4 members love this!
deb ripley said to deb ripley
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Only sit and watch the clouds go by for a short time. Stay in the race and do not stop. If you stop; you could stop for a long time and it's tough to get back in...sometimes you never do. It sounds sad but then other doors and windows open that allow you to continue to in different ways than you would ever suspect. Learn to look at faces versus clothing, jewerly, houses, cars or jobs. See people for who they are...just people. Get a higher education of knowledge so that you can critically think to make better choices. It's important. Doing this will help you sort through all the bullshit life wil throw sometimes fair and sometimes not. Have lots of women friends. Do not waste time finding them. Nurture your relationships for both men and women. Call. Send them cards. Notice their achievements. Give positive reinforcement. Quit being critical. For every thought you think, say something positive outloud because that is who others want to be around.

1 member loves this!
tj said to VN members
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Spend more time with your Mother because she will be gone in the blink of an eye in 1996.  She loves you very much, wants a close relationship with you, shower her with love and be her best friend.

5 members love this!
Pamela1955 said to tj
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That is so true!! I am 54 and my mom has dementia. I miss her fun-loving spirit more than I ever thought possible.

TigerLily said to VN members
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Follow your heart, find your passion and run with it!

3 members love this!
bluebyou58 said to VN members
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KEEP YOUR MIND CLEAR AND OPEN TO NEW THINGS,THE QUIET PEACEFULL TIMES,ARE FOR US TO ENJOY.NEVER LOOK BACK ON THE PAST ,AS A MEMORY,IT WAS A JOURNEY TO WHERE WE HAVE ARRIVES.TAKE NEW CHANCES,THEY WON'T HURT US NOW.BUT,TRY TO EXPLORE NEW PLANETS.WE HAVE ALREADY BEEN ON A TRIP.MOST OF ALL NEVER GIVE UP HOPE FOR PEACE IN OUR HEARTS AND ABOVE ALL LAUGH OFTEN,BE IT AT OURSELVES OROTHERS

FROM BLUEBYOU58

2 members love this!
cjbeachgirl said to VN members
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Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass....it's about learning to dance in the rain!

8 members love this!
writer said to cjbeachgirl
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Really nicely put...

writer said to writer
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Really nicely put...I like the simple beauty of it, the connection to nature,earth nature,inner nature,nurture...

writer said to writer
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The ability to nurture oneself,as natural as rain and earth,and quenching one's thirst...no guilt.

Lunazeenut said to cjbeachgirl
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Absolutely, it is in the rain where we grow strong and vibrant, while dancing and crying and loving....I've always loved this quote. 

m said to VN members
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To my 25 year old self - I'll be 52 this year and I cannot believe it. I don't feel that different from being 25. More sincerely confident [I faked it then, I am it now and not afraid to admit it]- I am more real now as in the Velveteen Rabbit - you will read it before you are 30 but it really won't make sense to you until now. Enjoy your health because it will raise it's head to see just how strong you really think you are - but you will endure that too. Keep good friends and lose the toxic ones. Never be afraid to explore the world or what interests you regardless of what others may have to say about it. LIVE YOUR LIFE as only you can. Be kind but never be a doormat. Oh, and you will have children but it won't happen for quite a while and not as you could ever have imagned. But they will BE so much of what you have prepared for in ways you never knew were being prepared. Love often, laugh daily.

2 members love this!
loulou said to VN members
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remember all the good things that have come to you and learn from all the bad things.Most important learn from your mistakes and don't let it repeat itself.think of yourself once in a while,live every moment as if it is your last.

Marimart said to VN members
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Life moves one direction - forward.  Every one is fighting a hard battle, be kind.  Will it matter in 5 years - if not let it go.  Don't take yourself so seriously, laugh, love and relax.  And those days at home with the little ones really do fly by.  All at once they are grown ups with their own children.  You'lll find your passion.  

1 member loves this!
Annr said to VN members
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Reading all the post comments got me to thinking about the enter self, You know it's an amazing person inside of me. I didn't like me for a long time, I over ate, I didn't excerise, I even thought me was ugly, Well in 2010 I'm going to Win! My thoughts has started to talk to me and I love the way I'm feeling about me. I'm going to lose weight, stop over eating and start walking. I will make me a new woman. Just wait I, Me and We will see!

1 member loves this!
satinasmom said to Annr
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Congratz on your decision, you will love the website I am about to give you, this is how I met my husband and lost a lot of weight.

this is the national site.  Volkssporting  is walking, biking, swimming, cross country skiing and any other event the clubs puts on in relation to their area.

www.ava.org

they list all the clubs in the USA in each state so you, I'm sure, will find a club in your area.  You do not have to join a club to do any of the events.

NancyTucson said to VN members
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"I resolved to take fate by the throat and shake a living out of her." ~Louisa May Alcott

Debirn17 said to VN members
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You know the guy in art class, he likes you don't wait until you are 53

theodora said to VN members
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Two things I believe in...to me balanced nutrition is chocolate in both hands!  Life isn't about how many breaths you take, but about the moments that take your breath away.. (thanks to the late George Carlin)

Sandhya said to VN members
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I saw the one about "your mother" have to agree and have to remember to cherish her, when she is gone it will be come reality that you are next. Life really is too short. Try not to take yourself or others so seriously that something suffers. I would add URL link but who knows what the internet will be like in 20 years when I am 70. It may be a plug people put into their brain!!

Pure and Natural