Birthday Reflections: Letters to My Younger Self

Show Notes

Episode Description

On the eve of her 59th birthday, Susan shares an intimate and powerful reflection on life's decades, offering words of wisdom to her younger self at ages 8, 18, 28, 38, 48, and 58. This vulnerable and encouraging episode explores themes of spiritual growth, identity, motherhood, healing, and the beautiful realization that it's never too late to become who God designed you to be.

Childhood Wonder (Age 8)

• Early spiritual curiosity and connection with God
• The importance of pressing into questions about faith
• Creative expression as a God-given gift

Young Adult Restlessness (Age 18)

• Understanding the restlessness of youth
• Learning that no one can give you permission to be who God made you to be
• Navigating depression and feeling ungrounded during major life transitions

Building Life (Age 28)

• The "beautiful blur" of raising young children
• Finding truth in overwhelming seasons
• Creating family life against cultural expectations
• The importance of feeling your feelings and talking to God

Growing Stronger (Age 38)

• Learning to say no to controlling voices
• Finding courage to walk out of spaces you were never meant to be in
• The secret strength you already possess

Health and Healing (Age 48)

• Trusting God's timing in healing journeys
• Understanding perseverance through difficult seasons
• Discovering that God's gifts often look different than our expectations
• The blessing of grandchildren during hard times

Coming Home (Age 58)

• Life becoming a natural outflow of what's in your heart
• Feeling more alive and expectant than ever
• Your whole life becoming a song of worship

"You can't mess it up. You can turn away from it, but you can't mess it up."

"God is no respecter of persons, and what he's done for me, he'll do for you."

"When you show up as you are, you image your creator, and you bring him to light."

"It's never too late. No matter which decade you find yourself in... it's never too late."

• God designed you uniquely to be exactly who you are
• Every season of life, even the difficult ones, contributes to who you become
• You're never behind on God's timetable for your life
• The desires of your heart that God placed there will be fulfilled, often in ways you don't expect
• Authenticity with God about your feelings and struggles leads to growth and healing

• Which decade resonated most with your current season?
• How has God shown his faithfulness in your story?
• What would you tell your younger self?
• Where do you need to trust God's timing more deeply?

This episode is perfect for anyone feeling stuck, questioning their path, or wondering if it's too late to pursue God's purposes for their life. Susan's transparency and wisdom offer hope that every season has purpose and beauty in God's greater story.