Your resilience inspires me.
I can’t change what happened to you,
and part of me is scared to think of who you could have been.
Where would that leave me today?
So instead, I leave you with this:
You are enough.
Sophie, this is so simple but so good. Many kids live their lives thinking that they should change themselves to become better. But what they don’t know is that they are already perfect just the way they are. Yourself included! I am so sorry that nobody ever told you that as a child. You were and still are perfectly enough regardless of what…read more
I love the way you wake up cheery-eyed, guns a-blazing, ready to bring your light into an often dark world.
I love your big heart and kind soul, your silly playfulness and your desire to explore.
I love your love of dogs, trampolines, bunny rabbits, and bike rides.
I love the way you love!
But most of all, I love your sensitivity.
The way you see and take in the world is different, sweet one. It’s a beautiful gift, and sometimes, it may feel like too much.
YOU may feel like too much.
Lights, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming. Your emotions feel – and usually are – bigger than most people’s. And being in a family of flat, grey beings doesn’t give you the best environment to thrive.
You’ll realize as you grow older that being sensitive in this world can be grueling, exhausting even. You’ll learn to tamper down your wonderful gift of sensitivity to fit in with your family, your friends. And that means, along the way, you’ll begin to dampen your own light as well.
But over time, you’ll find your way back. You’ll rediscover the incredible power of being a sensitive soul here on this earth.
You’ll give yourself permission to be wild, messy, free. And that scares a lot of people, my sweet girl! So, please do not back down and don’t you dare dim your light.
Continue finding your way back to your wild, sensitive heart. Allow her to guide you because you and I both know — your path won’t be ordinary.
Dream big! And please, little Erin, spread your rainbow light as big as Condor wings.
I love you and I’m so thrilled to spend this lifetime playing by your side.
Erin, this is SO good. I love the line where you said “do not back down and don’t you dare dim your light” because so many people need to hear this! Being told that you are ‘too loud’ or ‘annoying’ or ‘too much’ can destroy your self-confidence. Trust me, I have been in the same place as you. I am glad that you have grown to love this about y…read more
Beloved I’m writing this letter to you
Again we meet paper to paper and ink to ink
I hope this letter finds you like all the rest
Although you were mistreated by your peers
You still rose above it like a phoenix
gracefully like a lotus flower
When you gave pearls to swine you didn’t flinch
or feel the need to match their energy
You’re endless resilience is what I have
I love that most about you
There is a fire inside me that
It’sbeing held by your petitie hands
I am grateful
You’ve taught me valuable lessons through your innocence
In a world ran by wolves you remained soft untouched by it’s agressions
You never allowed those with tainted hearts to darken your spirit
Instead you remained solid and even brighter as the days go on
The sun is jealous of you illuminate those around you with your joy
The stars that hang in the ebony skies are left dumbfounded by your beauty
You’re love for all things good which sparks a profound curiosity
and childlike wonder is what I cherish about you
May you never loose your wonder
Jasmin, I adore this letter and your perspective towards your childhood. I am so sorry that you were mistreated by other kids. Others won’t ever truly know what you are going through unless you vividly explain it to them, and even then, they might not understand. I am so proud of you for always persevering through the tough times in your life and…read more
Remember how fearless you were?
You danced without a care in the of those watching you.
You voiced an opinion without cracking your words in between.
Remember how fearless you were?
Standing your ground, not caring if you seem like a fool.
You were always running with determined speed, feeling the cool breeze beneath your arms and the freedom of your feet dashing through the town.
Remember how fearless you were?
Filling up your soul by singing to your heart’s delight.
Always bring a smile to others with your silly jokes and portray imitations.
I loved you then and love you now. I miss that little girl within…
Bring her back soon before you forget how fearless you once were.
Zenobia, I love this! You were fearless as a child and I can tell that you still have that fire within you! Even though you have grown up and lost some of your childhood features and traits, you are still the same person as you once were. It may not feel like it, but you still can be as fearless as you were before! I believe in you! Don’t let…read more
Young and wise
With a curious mind
Always searching to find
A truth you hold inside
Shining bright
In dark spaces
Transmuting complicated situations
How powerful you are
But you do not see
The beauty of your soul
And all you can be
An alchemist
Never a pessimist
A dreamer
Despite non believers
Avery, I love this! It can be so hard to stay strong in times of hate and evil. I love that you saw your past self as a light in the darkness, and I agree with you that I wish little you was able to see that as well. She would be o proud of who you have become. You are amazing and inspire me! Great work! ♥
One day the little girl gets older
She reads books, sees the news, experiences life
and learns that everything she once thought was truth
is a lie
She doesn’t need to hold her tongue to keep the peace
She doesn’t need to prove her worth amongst the men
She is the storm
And she knows it.
Linsdey, YES! I love this poem! This inspires me in so many ways!! You are so powerful and I love that you realized that you do what you want and you shouldn’t let others dictate anything for your path! You ARE most definitely the storm and you will define yourself by the accomplishments you have made happen. You are such a strong person and I…read more
Easier said than done.
But you always did it!
Breaking free from the need to seek external validation is analogous to being on the path to Nirvana . It is demanding and calls for GOD-like mental grit and clarity.
But you always followed that path.
People pleasers are ubiquitous, self lovers are sporadic. The urge to please is perpetual.
It is also tiring, a process whose side effects are short lived and almost always unrequited.
Self love can seem like a monster.It is intimidating, misunderstood and grossly underrated.
Loving oneself knows no one sided failures.The feeling is always giving,reciprocating,caring and enriching.
I admire you for always knowing all this and loving yourself.
You were never afraid to lose your inhibitions and let your guard down.
You always cut youself some slack.
You were enough…And all you ever needed.
You never stressed the what should haves. If it should have, it would have!
You were not afraid to embrace the jitters in your knees and shout out loud from the rooftops for the world to hear and envy.
“To love and cherish myself unto death” proclaiming undying, unabashed love and loyalty to youself.
You let the warm, fuzzy feeling of self love flood your inner being. If it overflowed and few lucky wandered in its trajectory, good for them!
As for the others, you always let them go as that love just wasn’t meant to be..
Wow, Sarita! The words that you used in this poem are so empowering and I can tell that you are a very smart and capable person. Self-love can be a long and exhausting journey, but you can do anything and I know that you will appreciate what you have achieved and who you are soon. Don’t ever let the opinions of others affect your life. You are you…read more
To that little girl who loved barbies,
Bright sunshine and cake,
Climbing tress and swimming
All day in the lake.
To the girl who always saw the best,
In everyone she loved.
Made homemade birthday cards,
And gave the tightest, warmest hugs.
To the girl who just wanted to see the world sparkle,
But was often left in a place harshly dull.
To the girl who deserved nothing but love,
Recieved and paid for, in full.
You did the best with what you were given.
Lord knows you weren’t given very much.
But I am SO proud of you today,
Proud of your unwavering grit and trust.
You have faith that moves mountains,
And a determination to conquer every single one of your dreams.
That’s who you’ve ALWAYS been,
I know, because that girl
Is Me
Aww, Michiah. This is so cute. Little kids often look for the best in life, as they don’t know of much else. I am so glad that you had a lovely childhood to look back on with very sweet memories that remind you why you worked so hard to be who are you today. Great work ♥
Sweet and gentle desert rose
Not knowing anything different
Growing through the toughest environments
As the memories become distant
You rooted yourself in curiosity and love
Watered with compassion
While the drought of doubt came in waves of emotions
You stood tall and pulled through the depression.
For you were young to have such horrible things done
Who could do that to their own child?
You took that rain from their desert storms
And used it to grow wild
As years have passed
Now I am a mother,
I use what you have taught
To gently lead my mini rose through the desert full of drought
For, life is hard
The land is dry
The summers here are brutal
But know how to wait for rain and embrace dancing in the puddles.
Rachelle, what a powerful poem. I can’t even imagine how hard what you went through was. I am so proud of you for not only enduring this but being able to overcome and discuss it here! Little you would be so proud to know that you have become a strong and amazing person!! ♥♥
In a world where dreams ignite,
Hold onto magic, shining bright.
Don’t let anyone dim your light,
Embrace your uniqueness, take flight.
Friendships may ebb and flow,
But true connections will grow.
In the pages of books, find solace and grace,
Let their wisdom guide your embrace.
Challenges and heartache may appear,
But remember, my dear, you’re never alone, my dear.
The worlds within those stories hold profound might,
They’ll teach you lessons beyond your sight.
Keep reading, keep learning, and let your mind expand,
For surprises await, just around the bend.
Like a magician, weave your spells,
Embrace the unknown, break free from your shell.
Though the future remains veiled,
Know that magic and wonder will never be curtailed.
You, dear Emmers, have the power to transform,
Your worth is immeasurable, like a precious charm.
So never lose that spark, that creative fire,
For it will guide you higher and higher.
People may disappoint, but don’t let them define,
For amidst the shadows, true friendships will shine.
Remember, Little Emmers, you’re not alone,
In this journey of life, you’ll find your own.
Trust in magic, let your imagination soar,
For in your heart, true wonders forever adore.
Emily, this is SO cute! I love how kind and gentle you were to your younger self while also providing so much wisdom in your thoughts. You did and still do have the opportunity and freedom to change your life anytime you want to. You can do anything!! I believe in you ♥
Yes, you can’t and that’s totally ok!
“Average is awesome” is a philosophy that needs to be given its rightful place in urban society.
While the pursuit to excellence comes with immense self-pride /satisfaction at the pinnacle , it also carries with it a heavy mixed bag of insecurities, strife and stress along the way.
Why is one almost always unfairly judged on being content with just being average?
While some may argue the acceptance of mediocrity creates a false sense of acheivement and is the villian to all things great , I believe it is supremely meditative to do so. It nurtures a complete abandon of self doubt and offers the freedom not to hold back on living life to the fullest on one’s own terms.
For some being midway is truly being at the finish point.
As someone who has constantly been working to break free from the ever tightening shackles of self improvement , I am finally begining to embrace the average in all of middle aged me.
There are no more mountains I wish to climb, no more i wish to traverse , just let me lay someplace in the middle as it is my happiest place to be!!
As a recovering perfectionist, there is so much peace in being happy with who you are as you are and not always have to be striving to be the best or perfect or better than average. <3 Lauren
Before the storms weathered what feels like such an old soul
The golden hues of my hair, before I tried to fit into someone else’s mold
Laughing and screaming while falling from trees
No tears spilled over skinned knees
Hushed yelling cursed names spewed
I quickly learned I mustn’t break any rules
Now quiet and reserved never missing a social cue
I once was so brave not even my family had a clue
The resilience I had at such a young age
Always putting on my happy face I smile and wave
She’s such a good girl isn’t that what they always would say
As I quickly grew up so ahead of my time
I made sure to never lose my shine
Adventure seeker turned people pleaser
She always remembered her name laughing off all of the pain
Authentically you, never afraid to steer off to catch a good view
Jumping into lakes to beat the heat
Making potions in the kitchen when I should’ve been asleep
Stirring the pot never over thinking a single thought
Sneaking midnight snacks popcorn in between laughs
Chronically misunderstood
As wild as the Florida wind
Emotions flooding through like a hurricane
Hushed through the pain
Left alone to cry out the shame
Return with a smile learning to constrain my wild
Find hope through art only for it to be torn apart
Strong enough to stand again
Each time I was shoved a mark was left
A feeling that has since remained in my chest
An ache in my heart
But my love stayed true
Once a fighter refusing to let them break you
Golden hues turned dark and untamed
Always regaining my light after every rain
Picking up the pieces taking others parts as my own
All the love I gave came back to me through the unknown
Following blindly the ones I admired
Down the darkest paths of desire
I learned my way from such a young age
I fought the course only to be brought back to it once more
All the hope left my body I left it with the sea
I’ll dive again and bring it all back to me
I see that young girl with golden hair teaching her that while life isn’t always fair to never shrink or lose her flair
So here I declare to repave the path I thought was my heir
I see the world through those young dark eyes
As the years have soared by they’ve lightened over time
When I fight I fight for you
I heal for you
Your resilience is now mine
My peace will be ours
Once so wild and carefree
Laughing singing falling from trees
As I heal for me I hurt for you
Breaking free from the chains finally living without all this pain
I stood tall and proud filled with dreams until I fell from the clouds
But as I age and have learned grace
I smile back reminiscing about your face
The courage in you stayed true until your light burned out
I don’t think we truly believed our doubts
As we find our way back to each other
Our light starts to burn brighter than ever
Our flame ignites once more the magic ignites together we soar
You were strong for me and now I fight for you
Gabrielle, what a beautiful message. I love where you said, “Authentically you.” Always stay true to yourself despite what others may think of you! Even though people tried to bring you down, you always kept your spirits high and your courage even higher. I am so proud of you for overcoming a difficult time in your life. You are so brave and can…read more
July 24th, 2024
Happy birthday, little one! We are officially 26 years old. I still need to work on a lot and have been putting off writing this to you for a while. The remnant of our past lingers in my mind and still upsets me, so I will try not to cry while writing this (still anxious as ever). I look back at past letters and things Yia Yia and Mom have said to you so I can use them as a resource since I am not too good at opening up, but I will try my best; I promise you it will not be as good as they spoke to you, but it will still be enough. You are my muse; you showed me strength when it felt like the world was placed on our shoulders. You inspired me to do anything in life that I manifest for myself. You are brave; you spoke up when things were wrong and cared for others before yourself. Finally, you are resilient; stuff you do not speak on that you struggled with and handled from such a young age has shown who you are.
I questioned how we became such a good person if our past had shown differently. From generational trauma, you continuously try to break, but it still comes up for air. To the infinite love you have inside of you for others and not yourself, you have let depression overstay its welcome, but it has never taken away your love from the inside of your soul, which has amazed me. You would be 24 today if I did not have you screaming in my head not to do this to your family; I chose to walk downstairs instead of making a decision you know all too well about the grief it gives others. Every year, the day after today, I still have a piece of you: the 7-year-old girl who found out her dad passed away, the 15-year-old teenager who found her dad’s news article that he shot himself, and the 24-year-old who almost did the same thing, but you stopped me. I don’t believe I would have had the strength to do it, but just the thought was enough to bring you to the surface, the most robust inner child I have ever met to this day.
Writing to you has released a lot off my chest, and I thank you for listening. You have always been a great listener, and I love you for that. Today, I work as a 911 operator, saving lives for the last five years, which is not close to what you have done for me my whole life. I have written this letter repeatedly, thinking of different ways to place these words and speak to you, but I hope this helps you understand that you have always been enough. I am forever thankful it went God’s way and not ours for most things. Mom has always done her best to protect us, and there is a reason she kept the truth away from us for so long. Your dad loved you, and it was not your fault. He went through so much in life that led him to that point; he no longer suffers in this cruel world and is in a better place looking down on us. You can release the past trauma and live presently. I have learned a lot over the last few years, and it certainly opened my eyes to speak to yourself with a positive tone and never negatively, which will affect you.
Last year was the first year I brought Dad’s ashes out after 18 years to watch a sunset on our birthday. I also grabbed a cupcake for old memories to enjoy what we couldn’t the day we found out. In the years I have not allowed us to enjoy a birthday, I finally looked inside and let you out to play, not to keep you locked up. You guided me towards better things and how to handle situations. So here is to another year of life and another candle for you to blow out. Make a wish.
Do not tell me what it was, but I am thankful for you and life. I will see you at church on Sunday and wish you peace, happiness, love, and faith.
I want to share with you my favorite quotes:
“Be your light in the darkness; you are the only one who can help yourself.”
“Life isn’t about surviving the storm; it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”
“I watch the sunset to feel the serotonin, seeing for myself the beauty and art our loved ones paint across the sky from above.”
Alyssa, I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even imagine how hard it must have been for you to see and hear about your Dad in such ways. I know that you don’t know me, but for what it’s worth, I am so happy that you are still here. I know you went through a lot and contemplated if seeing such terror could be tolerated for the rest of your life.…read more
We are on a trip down memory lane. While I thought I was just planning a trip to show our family where life started, you were planning a healing adventure. We’ve cried a lot. We hung out a lot. And we’ve gotten to know each other better.
I loved letting you lead as our children got to meet your carefree spirit. Swinging from ropes to drop into the very cold springs, canoeing down the peaceful river, jumping off platforms! Making core memories with our babies on the swings right outside of our cabin in the woods. Showing our husband the fearlessness within on hikes through the wilderness.
I know leaving was hard, and you didn’t understand why we had to go and you hadn’t a say so. Thank you for allowing me to meet you at our old house and console your pain. Seeing you jumping up and down, scream “Why did we leave?” Was heartwrenching. Yet, wrapping my arms around you as you sobbed, in the most healing way was the absolute highlight of this journey. Despite spending the majority of our lives in South Florida, North Florida is and will forever be home; I know that now. Soon enough we will be back home. Patiently waiting is one thing we find challenging, however, if you allow me to take the lead we will be back!
You are so brave! You are so carefree! You are so fearless! You are so adventurous! You are so authentically you! I’m so grateful to have spent this time together, and to have introduced you to my family! Thank you for reminding me of who we are at the core. What you have done for me is honestly indescribable! Now, what I will do for you is, set you free!
Antoinette, what a beautiful letter! I am so proud of you for adapting to the new environment and staying so strong even though you were upset. I am happy that you have found a place to call home and that you can always look back on your inner child for reassurance. She would be thrilled to know she grew up to be an amazing person ♥
Dear Little Me,
There is so much I want to say, but if I could say anything I want you to remember this: fear is an illusion. Never let it drive your decisions.
You are a unique being with a bright light and can accomplish anything you set your mind to. If you ever feel lost or alone, that light will guide you to where you need to go. Your heart is full of love. It’s okay to protect it, but share it with the world! When you share your love and feel rejected that’s ok. Those aren’t your people, but thank and love them anyway. There is always someone that will love you and it starts with YOU loving YOURSELF.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. In fact, do all the things! They are opportunities to have fun and learn about what you like. You are a true winner as long as you keep love, confidence and hope in your heart. Believe in yourself and love yourself first. When you do, you’ll see it in the people around you.
Mistakes are learning opportunities of self discovery. When you notice them, embrace them with gratitude. They are here to help you and change is inevitable. Sometimes it may be uncomfortable, but you will learn to love yourself unconditionally and see the bigger picture.
The universe loves you just as you are. If you fall, it will catch you. If you cry, it will hold you. If you’re sad, it will comfort you with unconditional love. Things will always balance out. So stay in the present moment and enjoy being you. Your voice is important and you have everything you need already inside you to accomplish anything.
Keep writing your stories; I will read them. Keep painting your drawings; I will display them. Keep singing your songs; your voice is phenomenal. Keep reading books; it’ll expand your imagination. Keep running barefoot and soaking up the wonderful sun. Don’t forget to dance in the rain. Shape your own destiny with positive thoughts. Keep going love, you got this!
I love you
Big Me
Dierrie, this is such an important message to learn. “Fear is an illusion” is now one of my favorite quotes! I never really thought about it, but honestly, I’m thinking to myself, why was I ever scared to talk to them or to try that food or to ask that question? The truth is, you only live once, so don’t live in fear of being judged, because the…read more
Hello little me, is it me you truly see?
Or a watered down version of what your truly meant to be?
Did you follow destiny? Or hide inside to be left be?
Cuz u were clawing deep inside and screaming at me to be set free.
But learning to hear your voice took time and lots of clarity.
Cuz all the things you shared I feared, they scared the living shit outta me.
So i had to learn to be every single thing you ever needed.
All the strength you couldn’t muster cuz you felt completely defeated.
So in turn… inside retreated, all the while your dreams seceded.
Imagination became depleted, so many things left uncompleted.
So the task was set, lest I forget, what I now mean to me.
I’m asking now, I’m reaching out, to see just what you see.
A man who shares his inner child , so wholly and complete.
This inner child you see in me,
NO LONGER OBSOLETE
Lucas, I love this! Having regrets about your childhood is completely normal and many go through this. Don’t look back wishing you would have done more or differently. Your younger self would be happy to know that you grew into a great person who is proud of their past and proud of the person that they have become. Great work.
Hey you, it’s me..
I’m sorry if you’re busy..
I was kind of hoping you’d be down for reminiscing.
Remember that time in the car with dad,
Gwen Safani on the radio, feet on the dash?
He said “If you memorized schoolwork like song lyrics and sounds.. you’d be passing all your classes, Kid.. Hey. Feet down.”
Beats are simple and lyrics roll off our tongue; a talent that was slightly discredited when we were young.
Easier than Math, Spelling, Science, or anything that’s required. You know, all that stuff that makes us tired.
But the high we get when our pitch is in sync, or the satisfaction that throbs when we lay a verse on a beat; it’s no little thing, but a passion to discuss..
It’s a thrill, it’s a rush. It’s what I love about us.
Do what makes us feel good, make our heart skip.
Humanity is an experience, let’s make it a trip.
Keep feeling what others feel and adjust accordingly.
Be real. Be You. Just keep being Cortney.
Cortney, this is truly inspiring. Many people have had memories tarnished by others’ behavior, and it is unfortunate to think about it this way. Even though your Dad may have nagged you about school and other things, that never determined your value as a person or who you “had to” become. You make the choices you think are best for you. I am glad…read more