Dear Ayanna....

Dear young me. I have a couple of things I want to share with you that may blow your mind. Some things may surprise you. others may confuse you but just know that what future holds is far greater than what you see in the present.

Living in a single-parent household and being a latchkey kid is going to make you a powerful woman! I know that your life isn't like what you see on television; no big white house, picket-fence, two parent home and a dog. Nope, You live in the concrete jungle, growing up in the streets of Harlem, NYC. Your dad is not around and at times you crave his love and attention but you are comforted by the love of God, his church and the uncles and "brothers" in your life. But can I tell you something, that example of a hard-working single mother is going to shape you into becoming a strong and self-sufficient woman. Yep, trust me. You are going to be someone who is able to stand on her own two feet, you will be limitless because you will believe and know that if you put your mind to it, you can achieve it!

You will far exceed your expectations for yourself. You will graduate from college with honors! You will explore a couple of career options but you'll land in financial services. I know you don't know what that is right now and you also have no clue what Wall Street is but, let me tell you - there is a whole world beyond being a teacher, doctor, lawyer or social worker! There is SO much you can and will do. Not only will you work in this industry, you will exceed! You will get promotions, you will be sought out by other companies and so much more. Walk in confidence knowing that you are going to be a powerhouse!

Your creativity will lead you to some amazing places. You know how you like to sit and draw dresses? Or how you like to organize pretend parties with your dolls? You are going to become an entrepreneur and be an incredible event planner. You will plan a wedding that will take place LIVE ON NATIONAL TV! Yes, I know, crazy right!!! But YOU will do it. You'll do it alongside your best friend who is the bride. It's going to be hard and stressful but you will succeed and many more doors will open for you after that.

Love will make it so that you will discontinue the generational family pattern you've grown up with. You will get married to a man who loves and adores you. You will have your "big" house (it's all relative chile LOL) with two kids (you'll have boys) and NO DOGS! Listen mini-me, having pets is hard work, you have no time for that! It looks cute until you're outside in 12 degree weather waiting for your dog to poop.... I digress, sorry! LOL. Anyway, my point is, don't be afraid to love. You will not be left alone and your children will not grow up with that void of missing out on their father's presence.

So I say this, LIVE, LOVE and LAUGH!!! Enjoy every moment because no day is promised and in the end, life may not be perfect but it will absolutely be beautiful!

XO,

Ayanna