“I made it.”

There’s little me, about eight years old and reading “Leo the Late Bloomer” in the backseat of my Grandmother’s Cadillac. 

The book is about a young tiger, Leo, who grows at a different pace than the others and questions if he’ll ever find his way. I resonated with Leo for most of my life. It seemed like everyone had a plan and knew what they wanted to do, but I couldn’t put my pieces together. 

What I grew to understand was that I wasn’t missing anything; I just hadn’t begun turning the light on so I could see and choose the pieces that made a complete me. 

Getting the best out of ourselves requires knowing every piece, especially the ones that need some fresh paint, and trusting yourself with the brush.

At the end of the book, Leo’s last words were, “I made it,” and I love knowing I have too.

This adventure is what I encourage and support the young women I help guide through mentorship to embark on. Their bravery and determination to create rich lives in every aspect is so special to me. 

Part of my love note to them is always this, the journey back to yourself will come at a great cost, but its value is irreplaceable. You are worthy of knowing your unique greatness….and so are you.

Infinite Love, E