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 would say to my younger self, the very moment you realize that this life sucks, and you’ve seen enough, than you must do everything in your power to leave this planet, as soon as possible and on your on terms. Once the novelty of this world wears off and you become tired of life, it’s okay to leave. It’s your choice and your body. You didn’t ask to be here and no one deserves to be a helpless dancer in this world. Do not let anyone shame you out of moving on. Do not let anyone tell you that you are being selfish in wanting to exit this world. You didn’t ask for this and it’s ultimately your choice.
“Fill in the rest of this sentence: If I could give my younger self some nurturing advice, I would tell her…” you do not need a boy to feel worthy noone defines you but you. Dont be afraid a new embrace it because you deserve a chance just like anyone else does.
Love you Kris
Simply stated.
You are my rock and so appreciate your
Words. Know that you make a huge difference. If you only knew how much your words have helped me in all my life’s challenges…thank you from the bottom of my heart Gorgeous.❌⭕️?
Dear little sweet starseed <3 Yep, you didn't know that, did ya?? Your compassion and sensitivity are a wondrous gift. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise 🙂 Those times you thought your animals were telling you something? They were. Listen to them…they are your brothers and sisters on this amazing Gaia and will help you through so much in your life!! Oh, and all those rocks you love to collect and feel are so special? They ARE! You will one day know more and be enlightened by their specialness! I know you are afraid of many things…this life can be overwhelming and your sensitive nature can make you feel very sad and afraid and no one seems to understand. But remember, you are unconditionally loved and supported by the Divine which is you…and every other being on this planet and beyond. There is nothing to fear…just allow the good things to flow to you. Life is one huge, fantastic ride–smile at strangers, don't worry about a thang, quiet your mind and listen to your higher knowing, help others as much as you can and remember WHO YOU ARE. And above all, love <3 <3
(Thank you, Kris, for this beautiful space for us all to share…I don't know about all of you, but this year has been quite a time of transformation for me and life is so good!!! (((superdooperhuggles))) to all!! xoxo!
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Things only have the meaning you give them, so you get to decide what events in your life mean to you!
Don’t worry so much, those apparent problems and difficulties that trouble you so much are just learning experiences, opportunities to demonstrate what you are capable of!! Enjoy more n suffer less! It’s really a choice we make every second, we determine the way we live our lives by choosing our attitude and thoughts. You will be fine, you have nothing to worry anout 🙂
Stop trying to fit in. Embrace your unique self and quit worrying about the future. Your intuition will always lead you to the place you are supposed to be in. Do the things you want to do. Now. And please pay attention to your thoughts. Be kind to yourself, do more Yoga, dance even if it looks silly and be spontaneous.
Rachel, you will heal in this lifetime and when you do, your story will help many other people to walk down their healing paths as well.
(((hugs!!))) Sending you love! <3
When my mother died I was 16 – I should like to go back and say thank you for her love but life goes on and now its time for me to live and I say to my younger self be strong, be persistent and follow my dreams.
Leave the sanity behind — by that, leave the rule book behind. Your allowed to make it up as you go, so do it. Follow your heart, and the rest will come. Oh… remember to breath!
Your father abandoning you as a baby speaks volumes about him and nothing about you. Your stepfather’s instilling fear in you and making you feel “less than” is his cross to bear. If he knew better he would do better. You are of value & your feelings matter. You can overcome your brother’s verbal and physical abuse. He will apologize to you once he’s matured. Don’t allow men to take advantage of your desperate need to feel loved. Love yourself…that is enough. Stop criticizing your body. It is beautiful. Don’t put up that shield to protect yourself. It will take years to learn how to put in down and accept love from good people.Your health will take a turn for the worst so appreciate what you can do now and jump in feet first while you still can. Most importantly, repeat this mantra….you are enough just as you are.
I would say to be patient, not to hold on to things so much and be your own person. You are allowed to have your own opinions and thoughts. Don’t worry, you can’t control everything and sometimes bad things will happen, that’s the way that life works. But know that deep down you are a strong person who will always come out the other side. Don’t be afraid of anything, it will only hold you back. Only keep the best people around you, there’s no time in this world for people who will drag you down. Most importantly, love yourself, even all of the imperfections, and someone will love you too someday for exactly who you are.
Trust your SELF and do what feels right to YOU, not what you think other people expect or want of you. Oh and one more thing: YOU ARE SO LOVED.
You are not the centre of their attention; they are the centre of yours.
I would advise my younger self to watch ‘The Art of Being Yourself’ by Caroline McHugh for TEDxTalks (http://youtu.be/veEQQ-N9xWU).
Gina, things will get better! Don’t give up on your dreams. It’s okay to be sensitive and to show emotions. Be a leader, not a follower. Eat your vegetables!! Kisses, kisses, hugs, and more hugs:)
I started to cry when I thought of what I would tell little Erica, because, I still need to hear it! “You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to try. Don’t be afraid of hurting. Life is going to hurt anyway, so don’t play it safe. Just go for it! Don’t settle. Don’t think you can “fix” someone. Work on you. Don’t forget to have fun – you work so hard, and it’s important. Ma only says you are selfish because she wishes she had the childhood you have – don’t take that to mean that you have to self-sacrifice in order to be loved. That’s not what she wants you to do. Oh, and get some sleep.”
Don’t allow others to impose their fears and limitations on your dreams. Don’t wait til your 30’s to stop caring what other people think. Trust God, because he’s the only one who can guide your path in the right direction. Realize that control doesn’t always mean peace. Love the unlovable, because they are fighting demons you know nothing about. Forgive yourself for your mistakes. Forgive others for theirs. Celebrate differences, they make life interesting. Take naps, eventually you’ll need them and won’t be able to!
These are all so beautiful. I’m gonna book mark this post for when I need a little soul lift. Thank you for sharing everyone. You could all be self-help authors! 🙂 xo
(((huggles))) to you, dear one!! Thank you for giving us this space to share and connect!! xoxo!! 😀
I’d say don’t give up on your dreams. Don’t think you are not smart enough, or good enough, or capable. Don’t listen to others even important role models in life, do not listen. Listen to your very own self, your heart, your own voice. Listen to your own voice. Then don’t worry what others think of your voice. Care about yourself more, less of others who may not even know what you need like you do. Don’t settle. Know you are beautiful, because you are. Don’t let yourself go, in all areas of life. Food doesn’t fix problems. Feed your soul, not your stomach. Finish what you started, do not give up. You are smart and you are strong, and your voice matters. Take good care of yourself. You are important. love you.