To our younger selves…

Often times, when I'm leading women's groups, I will ask them to write a letter to their younger self.

These are pictures of me when I was around fourth - fifth grade and four years old, and then a picture of me with my daughters who were in third and fifth grade at the time the photo was taken. Today I'm celebrating my birthday, and I want to remember this me for all the years of my life!

What would I want to say to this little girl that is me? So much.

First, I know that I would speak to her kindly, with love and compassion, and I would work hard to make sure she felt safe and understood. At the time of the first picture, I was aching with insurmountable loss, a grief no child should bear alone. I would comfort her and love her through the grief. I would tell her she is good! Oh, how life tries to take our pain and morph it into shame. I would tell her she is worthy of being safe, and only safe people are worthy of being in her life!

And then I look at the two adorable faces of my daughters around the same age, and I only ever want them to know that they matter more than they can comprehend, and their time on this earth is meaningful. I pray they have a voice for themselves, and know that they can be strong and stand up for the voiceless. I want them to know that I can bear their life with them, and that they always belong with me.

What would you say to your younger self? I'm positive you would be kind, and gentle, and speak only words that were true and kind.

Today, imagine yourself as that younger you, and see how your inner dialogue changes- how you soften, how you feel love for you. This may change how we interact with each other! If only we could see each other as the innocent, vulnerable children we once were.