Dear Younger Self
Hi friend,
Ever wonder what it would be like to sit down and write a heartfelt message to your younger self?
Would you tell her that she is a wonderfully unique tapestry of woven skills, talents, gifts, and abilities that allow her to see the world in a different way than others may?
Would you tell her that even though she may not feel like she fits in or belongs, it is a lie? Sometimes we want certain people in our lives and try so hard to get them to accept us, but just like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, some people just won’t fit. It’s important to know that the right people will accept us, celebrate us, and appreciate who we are.
Would you tell her that to complete that jigsaw puzzle the starting piece that holds everything together is her and that she must always start by loving herself, accepting herself, being kind to herself, and being true to herself?
Would you tell her to be careful to not tell the biggest lies to herself? To not ignore those feelings stirring deep inside her belly, the ones that make her feel sick, that make her uncomfortable? Only she will ever know what her truth is and only she can decide who or what is best for her. Always listen to your heart, my dear.
Would you tell her that the biggest mistake is to spend her entire life seeking external approval as a form of validation, acceptance, and love? That her accomplishments—if they only serve to make others proud—rob her of her joy, something that she deserves for herself, and herself alone.
Would you tell her to hold on to that big imagination, her curiosity to question life, her deep need to understand how the world around her works, to see the connection between things? That letting go of these is a betrayal of her own heart and will cause her to slowly drift away from herself with time.
Would you apologize for quieting her voice, for shifting your attention to things that you now realize are not so important, and that you hear her now, are becoming a better listener, and will let her play more freely in the world? You now understand that she is your protector as much as you are hers.
Would you let her know that you love her more today than you did yesterday and will continue to grow that love as well as admire her unique skills, talents, gifts, and abilities because you recognize that they have helped you get to where you are today? You will be less harsh, less critical, and less judgmental as you have acknowledged that she experienced enough of that as a girl and there is no need for you to be her enemy.
Would you thank her for not giving up on you, for continuously showing you signs of who you are deep within, and now you will respect her by standing more firmly in your truth and honoring your heart? You are committed to uncaging your courage to create the life you have both imagined for yourself.
What else would you say to your younger self? Are you listening to her now?
I hope so. For it is she who knows who you truly are.
- Jen