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“Bachelorette” Alum Mike Johnson Pens Open Letter To His Younger Self: “You Are Enough”
by Mike Johnson
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August 19, 2020

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“Bachelorette” Alum Mike Johnson Pens Open Letter To His Younger Self: “You Are Enough”

"Bachelorette" alum Mike Johnson (Photo courtesy of the Riker Brothers)
“Bachelorette” alum Mike Johnson (Photo courtesy of the Riker Brothers)

Looking back to my younger self, I’d say the moments in which split-second decisions made lifelong outcomes – or at least the way it felt in those moments, truly did not define who I was or who I currently am. Honestly, what I’ve learned that is defining is what we tell ourselves in the mirror when we look back at the reflection when there is no outside noise. 

The single answer to self-love isn’t a book that you can read, a show that you can watch, or a favorite social media personality you can replicate. Our individual journeys are just that, individual. Everyone’s unique path is different, but it is one that we must all go through. So be bold on your journey and appreciate your God-given differences. Consumption is nourishment to the mind and body. Be introspective about what you consume because whatever you choose can positively or negatively affect you. 

Young Mike, in speaking with you, I’d love to tell you to always be a true self-starter and never one to be an eager follower. Love yourself so much that you don’t question your moral judgment of what’s right. Trust yourself, forgive yourself freely, and show compassion as you continue to grow. 

Self-love isn’t a book that you can read, a show that you can watch, or a favorite social media personality you can replicate.

"Bachelorette" alum Mike Johnson (Photo courtesy of the Riker Brothers)
Courtesy of the Riker Brothers

Know that confidence is like building a house. To achieve it, we must build it one brick, one wood panel at a time, but understand it can easily be torn down without the proper restraints in place. When you’ve built up the restraints, and your house is constructed, just like with confidence, it will be tested. 

Situations will come out of nowhere, and at times you won’t be ready for the waves that can occur and, at times, take you under like a fast-moving rip current. The beauty of confidence is that it’s always a work in progress, a house is not a home until we’ve built it to a place where there’s love all around, and even still, that love is always a work in progress. Continue to speak positively to yourself and be your own best cheerleader, no matter what. 

The answer to your burning question when you hit rock bottom of “Why am I even alive?” is because you were chosen to live! You’re strong enough to battle through. The strength is within you, and the challenge is to get it out of you. Despite the truth of knowing you are not the only one going through it, consider understanding that in these moments, the way out of the shadow of your pain is to make another human feel seen. 

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"Bachelorette" alum Mike Johnson (Photo courtesy of the Riker Brothers)
Courtesy of the Riker Brothers

Once you give the gift of genuine love to another without the thought of receiving anything in return, it pays you back tenfold. Always know it is courageous of you to be vulnerable in those moments and speak your truth! Live in the moment, genuinely feel, adapt, and grow. When you feel as if you are not enough, know that if you’re looking at that long mile ahead, although hard to fathom, putting one foot in front of the other is attainable and only the beginning to walking this journey.

When you’ve been up all night, know it’s okay to let out the emotions you feel in those moments. Cry if you must, scream if that’s best, or talk to someone. Do not succumb to isolation and steer far from negativity. Squeeze onto your life’s passion, and even when it changes, learn from those experiences that YOU ARE ENOUGH! 

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Every inch becomes a foot. Every foot grows into a mile contributing to a cause greater than itself. My life, masked in years, is a universe of small moments. And the important lesson that I’ve learned is that I will open the door to my heart and truly live without limitations or the added pressures of society. 

Available now for pre-sale, be sure to order your copy of Mike Johnson’s debut book “Making the Love You Want.”

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