Dear Younger Me: Brianna James
Dear Younger Me is a series of conversations between women in our community and From Water to Wine, as they share advice they’d give their younger selves and how their relationship with God has transformed over the years.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self and why?
Right from my heart, I would tell my younger self to trust my intuition and follow my heart. There are things that will seem scary and goals that seem too big to reach, but you are capable of that and more. Not only write down all of the out-of-this-world ideas you have, but only tell those who will support you and help you see them come to life, about them. Ask for help more, it is okay to need others especially because you always are willing to help others.
What’s something good about this decade that you didn’t expect in the last?
I didn’t expect to learn as much as I have about myself. In the last few years I have started to put my goals and desires first. Through that I have learned my dislikes, my passions, my fears, and so much more. In the last year I didn't expect to take advantage of the benefits that therapy had to offer. The realization of behavioral patterns and hidden trauma led to the beautiful creation of my documentary, “Here Lies the Truth”.
“There are things that will seem scary and goals that seem too big to reach, but you are capable of that and more”
This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
What is one skill you wish you would have mastered in the past?
I wish I would have learned the value of consistency during my younger years. After excitement dies down and passion grows smaller, remaining consistent could have propelled me further with life and passion goals.
“I feel [God] wrapped in my spirit, leading every step - clearing the stage and guiding my life. ”
How did you relate to God as a younger woman? How do you relate to Him now?
As a young child I related to God through the actions and relationships I saw others have with Him. I knew God was there and that He loved me but at that age and moment I could only really see what He was doing for others. As a maturing young woman I feel and relate to God through the gifts He has given me. Outside of worship and learning, when I dance, I feel Him wrapped in my spirit, leading every step - clearing the stage and guiding my life. He balances between my dance instructor and duet partner. I trust in the solo he has choreographed for my life.
Photo Courtesy of Brianna James