Dear Younger Me: Patrice Gulley
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?
One piece of advice I would give my younger self would be to not let fear dictate or interfere with the choices you make or paths you take in life. Over the years I’ve learned that “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). If my younger self had known and believed like I know and believe now, I would not have let my fear of making the wrong choice or making mistakes deter me from chasing my dreams. Instead, I would have taken more risks, made mistakes, learned from them, and embraced my fears and dreams.
What’s something good about this decade that you didn’t expect in the last?
Something good about this decade that I didn’t expect to last is the commitment from the African-American community to continue to fight to get justice for all of the African Americans who wrongfully lost their lives at the hands of police officers. Another unexpected joy is my faith in God and how my faith gives me peace and reassurance that no matter what the situation or circumstance may be,God is able.
Another blessing that I could not have predicted is having my own business. Being able to create and participate in something that you are passionate about and can utilize the skills, education and experience to help others is a blessing. An additional gift my younger self could look forward to is having the satisfaction of knowing that the career path she is taking will allow her the opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
“If my younger self had known and believed like I know and believe now, I would not have let my fear of making the wrong choice or making mistakes deter me from chasing my dreams.”
This interview was edited for brevity and clarity.
What is one skill you wish you would have mastered in the past?
Having a positive mindset. Over the years I have learned that your mindset plays a major role in how you interpret and respond to situations. A positive mindset can give you more confidence, improve your mood and reduce the chances of you suffering from depression and other stress-related disorders. By shifting your mindset you can improve your health, decrease your stress and become more resilient to life’s challenges. I live by the motto “Change your mindset, change your life”, because your mindset plays a vital role in the quality of life you desire to achieve.
“I live by the motto “Change your mindset, change your life”, because your mindset plays a vital role in the quality of life you desire to achieve.”
How did you relate to God as a younger woman? How do you relate to Him now?
As I reflect back to my younger self, I realize that my relationship with God wasn’t personal. It wasn’t until I began to read and study the bible and my prayer life and faith increased that I noticed the growth in my spiritual walk, which shifted the dynamic of my relationship with God. Intimacy is a feeling of being close and emotionally connected and supported. This is how I describe my relationship with God today.
I can say without a shadow of doubt that God has shown himself to be more than I could have ever imagined. He has shown me unconditional love, good health and an abundance of grace and mercy. There have been many times in my life where I have been in situations and had no idea what to do or how I was going to make it through, but God always showed up and did just what he said he would do. He’s never left me nor forsaken me.
My name for God in my younger years is the same as my name for God now. God has and always will be the Alpha and the Omega in my life.
Photo Courtesy of Patrice Gulley