Hi Sweet Friends,
A while ago, I posted the picture above on Facebook with this caption:
“Fill in the rest of this sentence: If I could give my younger self some nurturing advice, I would tell her (or him)…”
The response from my Facebook family was so beautiful that I wanted to share it with you. Heartfelt notes of self-love, self-encouragement and self-compassion poured into the comments section. I think we raised the energy on the worldwide web that day! Here are a few of your lovely notes:
Kim wrote: Your red hair makes you special in the best way. Wear that with super goddess strength. The teasing and the name calling is just teaching you how to be STRONG!! Also LOVE your body its the only one you have got and its freaking AMAZING!!! Your legs your skin your eyes all of it. Treasure it and treat it like a goddess.
Eileen wrote: To keep dreaming big, hold your head high and don’t get caught up with the expectations and limitations of those around you. It’s OK to look in the mirror and like yourself, it’s OK to smile a lot, it’s OK to be happy and let the little things make you smile.
Beril wrote: Do not be scared so much and do not waste your time by thinking about what others have said, done to you, do not try to comfort them, do not try to please them, do not be scared of the changes life brings, everything works and life goes on somehow, be faithful, let go, do not try to save the world, do the best for yourself, listen to yourself and take care of yourself, love yourself, forgive yourself, enjoy every moment, if something difficult is going on then hug yourself first and be your genuine presence to yourself first, when it comes to others give, love, forgive and show compassion without any expectation, free yourself from good or bad opinion of others …
Lucy wrote: Life will get better, little one. Your mom and sister really do love you. You are precious, worthy of love and deserve to feel safe. The bullies are suffering from their own problems and it’s not about you. Your soulmate will be in freshman English with you so stay in school or you won’t get another chance until 13 years later. Take solace in your school work and you will have opportunities for a better life.
Here’s what I would say: Dark nights are inevitable, don’t fight them, surrender sweet darling. You’ll figure it out. You’ll grow from this. You’ll grow and shine brighter than you can possibly imagine.
I invite you to take 5 minutes to do this simple exercise.
All you need is a pen and paper, or your computer. I want you to think about the mini-you. The kid that still lives in you but might not get the same care and attention anymore.
Write a note to that awesome kid.
What would you tell him or her? Does she need some kind words to help her get through a tough time? Maybe he’s hanging onto self-doubt or shame and could use your unconditional love to finally release what’s holding him back. Or perhaps she’s got a big dream and needs your encouragement to take a leap of faith. Whatever it is, show your support for your inner whippersnapper.
No one has to see this note, so don’t edit your words. And in case you need a little help finding the words, I created this collage of even more comments from the Facebook post I mentioned earlier. Read it out loud. Print it and post it on your fridge, above your desk, or next to your bathroom mirror. Pass it along to someone who needs it.
This practice is a love note from your true self. The more you do it (and listen to your own advice) the easier it will be to embrace who you are right now.
Your turn: If you feel drawn to share your advice to your younger self, post it in the comments below. I can’t wait to read your love notes!
Peace & self-compassion,
I love this idea. I would tell myself that it is all going to turn out, trust yourself. I think we could all trust ourselves a little more. Not to regret things from our past but to learn from it and move forward with your fabulous life!
You are beautiful the way God created you to be. I know you don’t like your birthmark, but it’s what makes you unique. Don’t feel insecure when people stare and point at you and then whisper. They don’t mean any harm, they just have never seen you before, God’s beautiful creation. It’s okay, you are wonderful, don’t let the negative comments attach itself to you. You are beautiful, you are strong, you are enough.
Dearest Abrianne,
You are pure love and that is all that is real. You can’t change what other people think or say, but regardless, you can know that only love is real and in that, you’ll find peace.
It’s ok to be single. Don’t let others pressure you into thinking you are only validated as a worthwhile person if you are part of a couple. Don’t settle for ok. Embrace your singleness and use the time to explore the world, try new things and learn who you are. Do what you enjoy and spend time with people who accept you for who you are and the right person will come into your life at the right time.
Kim, people are going to try very hard to change you, to break your spirit. You follow your own drum & the people around you were raised to follow the norm. They don’t mean to harm you. They just don’t understand that you don’t need to fit in to be happy. Never ever stop believing in yourself. You are incredibly beautiful just the way you are. God loves you & is always with you! You are special. Express your individuallity & as you get older you’re going to help many people believe in themselves.
Here is what I would say to my younger self:
You are smarter than you know. Screw those tests. You will always be learning – never stop learning. You will never be more beautiful than you are today (read this line every day for the rest of your life). Enjoy the make-up, but you don’t need it. You are thin enough – don’t shrink yourself for anyone. Believe in Yourself. No one is coming to rescue you. It’s up to you to create whatever life you want. You can and you will. You are already loved more than you could ever imagine.
Beautiful post Kris. 🙂 You’re a beautiful human being, and a true gift to this world. Thank you for all you do!!
Warmly,
Tim
You have a lot to offer, don’t let others define you. Be positive, love yourself! Your are more than you think you are.
Thanks Kris,
Enjoyed reading the comments, I didn’t write anything, as I am 82 years young,
didn’t have any advice to give my younger self. I just try to do the best I can, and
pray everything I do will turn out alright.
You are such an inspiration to all of us. I enjoy reading everything you write. You
are a very special person. XO XO
Hi buddy … I’ve missed you! I wish this big bear hug could let you realize how much you’re loved, and that you matter! You’re going places my friend, but you’ll get there faster and with less suffering, if you’ll just remember that you belong, wherever you go, and you’re always worthy … Never believe that you’re less-than! Enjoy all of the miracles and serendipity along the way, and I can’t wait for you to meet me – a better version of now because of you … I love you to pieces!
Don’t follow your peers and do reckless things to fit in, tell you mum you need more support and guidance. Spend much more time with your grandmother.
It’s OK to shine!
Kate, follow your pleasures and let go and let God. That’s all you need to do. Now go to it.
Don’t focus so much on what you look like on the outside. Your inside is worthy of love. You don’t need to be perfect for others to love you. Sit still and breathe. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to work hard for what you want.
I love this idea! It’s so healing… First of all, I’d tell her that she will live the life beyond her wildest dreams.. So there’s nothing to worry about! And a lot more… that I’m just about to write on a piece of paper 🙂
Thanks for this awesome suggestion! <3
Wow, this exercise and other’s comments has hit me like a ton of bricks, but here it goes: Lorie, you were born great. You experienced the hardships of life way too young and although you grew up feeling alone, scared and betrayed those experiences have molded you into the wife, mother, nurse and animal rescuer you are today…BELIEVE THAT ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE and “just coast” through the bumps in the road. God knows your heart and knows your fears and if you let him drive, he will take you to your destination. Wake up each day and be thankful, ready to find the day’s gifts, toss out the worry and look up at the sky. I love you, I support you, I believe in you. I am here for you. I comfort you. Try hard each day to release and forgive the people and actions that have held you down by simply thinking and saying “forgive and recover”…let that beautiful smile shine and bring joy to others. Your about to embark on new beginnings – ready, set, grow!
Don’t be afraid to show your femininity. If you spend time looking after your skin, hair, nails you will feel more confident about showing yourself off. Don’t sell yourself short – you’re a powerhouse and if you allow yourself to be confident you will achieve so much. Why waste your youth on booze and drugs, it’s not really who you are. You truly want to look after yourself, be a warrior and example for the right way to live life. TRAVEL – this is what you REALLY WANT TO DO!
You only get one spin on the merry go round of life (and it goes ever so quickly) so don’t waste time on what you think others expect of you. Grab the ring and go forth boldly and confidently, but along the way, reach out, be loving and compassionate and true joy will lift you in moments of doubt. I love you!
Dear little Jess, let me hug you. I just want to let you know that you are not alone. Don’t be afraid. Be brave.
What other say about you is not true. You are not others opinion. Their opinion does not define your worth.
You are perfect just the way you are. You are unique. Believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone get you down. You are not an accident, you are magnificent, you are loved and you are worth it.
Just breathe, be silly, smile often and be happy. Live in the present. Live life like it’s was your last day. Always be grateful. I love you. I believe in you, little Jess.
(((huggles!!!)))
Not everything has to be the way you were taught. Take the road less traveled. Break the rules. Be ok with not being who you thought you were. Laugh more. Settle less. Just ask, the answer may surprise you.