Dear you,
I’m writing from ten years down the road. I wish I could hand you this letter in person, sit you down with a cup of tea and hold your hands while you read it. Since I can’t, I’ll put it here, where I’ve always put the things that matter.
You Are Going to Be Okay
I know you’re scared. You’re trying to hold so many things together, and you’re not sure you’re doing any of them right. I want you to hear this first: you are going to be okay. Not because nothing hard happens, but because you will keep finding your way through it.
Keep Writing
That little dream of putting your words out into the world? Don’t let go of it. Those words you’re not sure anyone wants to read? Write them anyway. Writing is going to carry you through seasons you can’t imagine yet. It’s going to open doors you didn’t know existed.
Stop Waiting to Be Ready
You’re going to spend too much time waiting to feel ready. Ready to start, ready to share, ready to leave, ready to try. I’ll save you some time: you will never feel completely ready. Go anyway. Every good thing in my life started before I felt ready.
Not Everyone Will Understand You
Some people you love won’t understand the choices you make. Some will hurt you in ways you didn’t think were possible. That pain is real, and you’ll need to grieve it. But it will also teach you who you are and what you won’t accept anymore.
Choose Yourself More Often
You’re so good at taking care of everybody else. Please start including yourself in that list. Rest when you’re tired. Say no when you mean no. Spend money on the trip. Take up space.
Hold On to Your Faith
There will be days when you feel far from God and far from yourself. Keep showing up anyway, even with the small, tired prayers. You are held more than you know.
I’m proud of you. I’m proud of who you’re becoming. Thank you for not giving up.
With all my love,
Me
Now it’s your turn. If you’ve never written a letter to your younger self, I hope you’ll try it. Grab your journal, write “Dear you” at the top of the page, and tell her what you wish she’d known. You might be surprised how much love you have for her.
Want a little more support along the way? My two journals, Nurturing Your Soul: A Guide to Practicing Self-Care and The Mindful Journey Journal, are available on Amazon.
