A letter you won’t forget: Insp. McLaren’s advice for her future self

Описание: “The girl who loved the game, the teamwork, the grit. That girl is still your compass. When the job feels heavy, when the world feels unfair, when you’re tired of proving yourself, go back to her.”

If you could give your future self advice, what would you say? Listen to Insp. McLaren’s inspiring letter.

As we celebrate this upcoming International Women’s Day on March 8, we honour the women who keep stepping up to the plate, even when the innings get long.

Transcript:

Insp. Jill McLaren sits down and reads a letter from her younger self

Hey you,

I’m writing from the sidelines of another dusty in-field, still catching my breath, still learning how to push through when the game gets tough. I don’t know everything yet, far from it, but I have a feeling you’re going to need a reminder of a few things we already know deep down.

First: you belong. Even when you walk into rooms where no one looks like you, talks like you, or expects you to lead the way you do. You’ll spend years surrounded by voices louder than yours, traditions older than you, and systems that weren’t built with you in mind. But you’ll also learn that strength isn’t about matching anyone else’s volume. It’s about holding your ground with quiet certainty.

Remember how sports taught us to read the in-field, trust our instincts, and get back up after every loss? Those lessons will matter more than you can imagine. You’ll face moments where you question whether you’re tough enough, smart enough, or “enough” in general. But you’ve been competing your whole life, not to beat others, but to become the best version of yourself. That mindset will carry you.

You’re going to lead people someday, real people, with real fears, real flaws, and real potential. Don’t forget what it felt like to lift yourself up during the moments when the world felt heavier than you expected. That memory will keep you authentic. It will keep you human. And it will make you the kind of leader others trust, not because you’re perfect, but because you’re real.
There will be pressure to harden yourself, to blend in, to lead like others around you. Don’t. Your authenticity is not a weakness; it’s your edge. You’ll change more by being yourself than by becoming a copy of someone else.
And one more thing: don’t lose the joy. The girl who loved the game, the teamwork, the grit. That girl is still your compass. When the job feels heavy, when the world feels unfair, when you’re tired of proving yourself, go back to her. She’ll remind you why you fight, why you care, and why you lead the way you do.

I don’t know exactly who you’ve become yet, but I’m proud of you already. Keep going. Keep showing up. Keep being you.
With dusty shoes and a full heart,

Your younger self

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