By: Christina Lucchesi
If I asked you to name a woman you admire, who’s the first person that comes to mind? Beyoncé? Yeah, same. Or maybe it’s someone like Michelle Obama, fighting for the health of our nation, or Marie Curie, who made advancements in science on behalf of women everywhere. Maybe it’s even someone you love, like your mom or sister. Well here at Olive, our answers include all of the above. But in addition to that, we’re also inspired by the passion and dedication seen in each and every one of the women on this team. Behind every strong woman is the younger version of herself, the one who – through the ups and downs of life – managed to find her way to exactly where she needed to be. So where did the roots of our Olive tree begin? Read below for a glimpse of our pasts and see what advice we would give to our younger selves.
Cassie:
I’ve had very few constants in my life growing up as an Army brat, and if I could go back in time and tell my little self anything it would be that you are exactly where you’re meant to be in the world. Even when your new home doesn’t really feel like home and the new school is too different, relax and take in every new person, relationship, and experience and allow them to shape you; let the cultures shock you. One day you’ll be 22 years old and realize that every single change has affected you in one way or another and led you here, and that the things that matter most are still the same. Home will always be wherever your mom is, your middle school bestie and your brother will still be your best friends, and you’ll still love wearing your Mickey Mouse ears everywhere.”
Chelsea:
I would tell my younger self to find your own passions instead of trying to please everyone else. Find out what you truly love to do and channel your energy into that. Love yourself completely, don’t worry about what other people think of you and don’t give up when times get tough. People will kick your rolling-backpack, steal your glasses, and pull your beautiful, wild Hermione Granger hair but don’t worry…if people are trying to bring you down it only means that you are above them. Hold that head up high girl! And I love you.
Christina:
I would tell her to appreciate her father more. That even though he may not have known how to do her hair for picture days, or that he thought polo shirts and long khaki shorts were acceptable fashion choices, he was just doing his best as a single dad and that he’d never let her forget how beautiful she was. I would tell her to stick up for herself – that compassion is a great character trait, but that her feelings mattered too. And I would tell her to take more chances – to not be afraid of the things she doesn’t know, and that the rewards always outweigh the risks.
Courtney:
When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, that’s when the magic happens.
Hannah:
Prioritize your health – your body is literally the vessel that gets you through life, and it’s the only one you’ve got. Pay no attention to what other people think of you, because not everyone is going to like you. Be kind, but stand up for yourself. Say yes more than you say no. Growth happens outside your comfort zone. Live a conscious and aware life – you will see and feel so much more. And don’t take anything too seriously.
Jaclyn:
I would tell my younger self to not sweat the little things (don’t become the worrywart you are today), everything will always work out the way it’s supposed to and just live your life. Time goes by way too fast so enjoy every moment.
Jenn:
Do your best to have fun and enjoy each moment, because I promise you that when you grow up, you are going to have everything you want. I would tell her not to sit next to Freddy on the bus. He’s mean and you don’t need to hear what he has to say. I would tell her how beautiful she is and let her know that someday she’s going to have a little boy who will look just like her and that instead of waiting until then to see how beautiful she is, she could just see it now. I would tell her not to worry so much. I would tell her she can be anything she wants to be and anyone she wants to be. I would tell her that love is powerful and that there is no need to focus on anything else. I would tell her that she shouldn’t wait until she’s 36 to get to Florence.
Kara:
Little Kara, if there is one thing I can tell you, it’s to stay silly and not worry so much— life rewards you when you work hard and are kind to others. Do what you can and the rest is out of your control, so you might as well stay singing, dancing and laughing!
Lauren:
My advice to little me: “Own your look! No matter what you’re wearing or what you have going on (floaties and a baby belly), rock it! Play on the beach like nobody is watching.”
Rachel:
Life is a fantastic adventure and all kinds of wonderful! Even when you go through challenges and rough patches, there will be nuggets of positivity and opportunities for growth to be found. Rest assured the challenging moments pass and more often than not they play an integral role in keeping you on that path to happiness and finding your truest forms of joy in life.
Samantha:
Hey, little cutie! Believe in yourself harder, love yourself stronger, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t. You always can. Spend more time doing things that bring you joy with people who bring you joy ––this is important. If you’re ever tempted to feel embarrassed by being or showing who you are (you know, like when you take your sticker collection to show-and-tell in the sixth grade), just remember how special you are and know that those qualities and hobbies will take you as far as you let them.