Oh it’s so good to see you, you’re even brighter than I remember.
They always said you had a wild imagination. A little story weaver, dashing between worlds and characters, creating the tallest tale ever to be witnessed, a symphony of grandiose that made those stories almost feel like magic. The worlds you can visit are that of such adventure and excitement. And that is something you deserve to always keep. One of the things they don’t tell you about growing up is there are so many made up rules and stories we continue to tell each other that are so poorly written they cause nothing but fear. And if there is one thing I know about you is you do.not. Like horror movies. And when you have no choice but to choose which part you need to play in the big facade of it all, you will feel like you need to fit yourself into a box of expectations that is far too small to contain all the parts of you. And you learn the villains in all those stories you love so much and the evils you fight in your dreams are indeed real–they just take the form of other humans who are so desperate for their inner child to be loved they throw the biggest tantrums you could ever imagine. And they are the bullies, the ones who found value in one of the things that we made up in this world. Our worth is not defined by an imaginary dollar we have been taught to chase. Our worth is defined by the very real existence we get to experience as this bright, beautiful, creative and boundless person we always dream of being.
Who you are matters, what you like matters, how you feel matters. You will be taught certain beliefs that are not yours to hold and they might make you feel wrong, feel like the depths of your goodness is too much. But if there is one thing I know for certain is you have always deserved to be love in the same ways you are capable of loving. And my love, being able to feel in such extremes is both a blessing and a curse. The hurt you were made to feel was never your burden to bear, it’s not your fault your generational trauma comes in the form of such deep depths of hurt sometimes light cannot reach far enough. But it is both a blessing and a curse to feel so deeply–but how lucky you are to feel so deeply and imagine so vividly and concoct potions of such power you cannot help but attract all you could ever dream of. Continue to lean into the passion, lean into the adventure, lean into the deep want of incredible quakes. All those big feelings that swell in your stomach are your superpower, and we both know we’ve always wanted to have a super power.
It will be scary and you will have to be brave. But if the bravest heroes in the best kinds of stories can face their greatest fears, so can you. When it becomes too much, it’s ok to pick the part you know you can play. But do remember you deserve to choose to be you–in fact it’s usually more fun when you get to place yourself in the life you are living.
Remember to find the perfect music to fit the moment, follow your curiosities (our Gemini sun keeps us trekking) and follow your heart when it comes to what story you want to tell next. You always have a great one up your sleeve, who I am is proof of that.
Love you to the stars and back (which is infinitely because the universe is probably a donut shape or something). I cannot wait to see what we get up to next.
I wish every child could hear this letter and feel safe with who they want to be. I love your positivity and unending love for yourself. Keep writing and being the creative, wonderful person you are!
Although you may be insecure, your smile has a style for sure.
Your mind is beautiful, Thoughts are wild.
Your heart is dutiful, art unique, Lyrics are powerful as
you can see.
You can take a critique, Don’t be so meek
Don’t stray away from being yourself, It’ll come in handy all by itself.
I love your smile, Don’t be in denial.
With your smile, you’ll go miles.
Don’t disagree, You will see
You will end up looking just like me.
You’ve been on my mind as of late, and I thought it was time to send you a note. I always think of you and hold you in my heart. I have so much to share, and you know how much I love writing letters!
Keep in mind as you read that some of it will make sense right away, while other bits of information may make you sad, but I think you are ready. I want to let you know you are exactly where you are meant to be.
You are about to embark on many adventures, and you have so many exciting days ahead, with your tenth birthday fast approaching. Double digits!
You’ll start questioning things, and that’s important. Sometimes you might feel embarrassed. Talk to someone you trust, like a teacher or a friend of your mom’s. Someone to share your thoughts with and get the answers you need. Ask all your questions.
When you look at your parents, you sometimes think you’ll never be as old as them or neither of them makes any sense. When you’re their age, you’ll reflect on life, just like I do now. Your parents are doing their best with what they know. Remember the good times and learn from the tough ones.
Many will see your resilience, although you will not recognize it until much later in your life.
You love to write and create. As a teen, you might step back from it. But your talents will resurface when you’re ready. For now, keep working at it and know that writing will help you through life’s tough moments.
You, young lady, are wise beyond your years. So much love will surround you and you are worthy of it all. Trust your instincts. Your ability to make significant decisions will see you through many successes and adversities. Trust in yourself. You’ve never steered yourself wrong.
Now, some tough news, my sweet girl.
Although your losses will be few, they will rock you to the core. There’s no way to prepare. Everyone faces loss and sadness. You will have to go through it on your own time, and it will be painful but know you will come out of those icky moments stronger than before. You’ll get through it and emerge strong. You’ll hear you’re stronger than you think. It’s true.
Writing this letter was hard. Memories flooded back.
This is me, sending you love, for the version you were then to who you are now. Everything you did, from the way you talked to the way you carried yourself, made up the building blocks to take you through each moment of your life.
I’m proud of you, from then to now. As you grow older, people will underestimate you and often doubt you, but you will continue to keep showing up and your resiliency will be out of this world! You’ll learn to surround yourself with those who deserve your love and energy. Yet, you’ll always give extra to those who don’t. It’s who you are.
So, I guess this is me letting you know that you’ve done great, as you are now.
Hey girl, I’m the adult version of you
As I look you in your face I must say that I’m so proud to be you, years later
The life’s journey that you have accomplished since you was little amazes me
I love the power and the strength that you carried even if you couldn’t see it.
Your ability to light the room with your presence since you were born I love that.
I’m telling you if no one else does that you are unforgettable.
Your smile that you walk around with even in your worst hour.
You have been the glue to so many people so I must give you your flowers.
Your drive to accomplish whatever you put your mind to.
No matter how many times you failed you didn’t let that failure become you.
You pressed your way even when your back was to the wall.
You got back up time and time again no matter how hard the fall !
I admire your resilience in life.
No matter how deep the wound and no matter how sharp the knife.
Because of you I am this incredible person today.
I love everything about you is what I’m trying to say.
Love you my girl ❤️
The poems and letters for this trend have made me feel so hopeful and warm. Your poem to yourself is lovely and the positivity and kindness you exhude is palpable. Don’t stop writing and keep giving yourself flowers!
When I think about you, I do not remember much. I remember sadness—a lot of it. But I do not know why and I want you to know that I have been on the search for the reason ever since I understood that hearts can, in fact, be broken. I joke a lot about how my heart, your heart, our heart has been broken since we entered into the world. A sparkly bandaid that I like to put over the wound. We still love sparkles.
I am sorry for all of the fear. I am sorry for all the ways I held you back. Stayed small. Kept quiet. Didn’t get into trouble. Because Dad would yell. Mom would cry. I would cry. You would cry. We would cry.
There are days when I think we knew too much and then days when I think we knew nothing at all. This is still a common occurrence. Did your feet ever feel like they were on the ground? Because mine still do not.
I miss twirling around, in a tutu, carefree. I wonder if we didn’t do enough of that. If we did, would I still be longing for that feeling?
Every time I think of you, you’re wearing pink. Your light brown, thin hair is disheveled, and your bangs are ever so slightly tangled between your long eyelashes. You’re wearing ballet slippers. Your skin is porcelain and so soft, untouched. Your little, round belly hanging over your tutu. The days before you learned what it felt like to want to flatten it and roll your shoulders back to try so hard to be tall and thin. The days before you needed to learn how to self-soothe. I want you to know that you did a good job. I want you to know that I am proud of you. The times when you did talk back and got in trouble. Even if you shied away not long after. I want you to know I am proud of your independence. Even if we are still just a little scared of a lot of things.
I want you to know that we now make an abundance of noise. Every day. And although we are not in a tutu, we are still whirling and twirling around under a disco ball with our favorite songs playing over loudspeakers in a dark room with pretty lights. And we are far from silenced.
We use our voice. We use our words to show people that they don’t have to just self-soothe. They don’t have to stay small.
We use our body too. The one that over the years suffered an incredible amount of dislike. I am sorry about that too. But we learned, just how strong we are. Mentally and physically and I am sorry it took me so long to honor every little piece of you because when I look back, I see that you are stronger than I gave you credit for and if it wasn’t for you twirling around in your little pink tutu, I wouldn’t be here now. You wouldn’t be here now. Thankful for all of the self-soothing. For all of the hurt. The search for love that ended in heartbreak which then ended in strength.
Thank you for your resilience. I hope to continue to make you, me, us, proud.
I am sorry you had to experience so much pain and hurt in your life but I am glad that you are healing. I hope you know you are not alone and you are joined by many whirling, twirling people under the disco ball who would never want to hurt you. Keep being unapologetically you.
Little girl, I’ve been disconnected from you,
I see you as a tiny lump alone on the floor,
For most of my years, I’ve been numb to you,
Basically, something I simply abhor.
Little girl, I’ve been disgusted by you,
Nothing but derision when you cry,
Suck it up buttercup, don’t show a weakness,
Tears are used to make you comply.
Little girl, I hate your aching heart,
From the crushing silence of loneliness.
For you, comfort is a taboo,
Forever just you, yourself, and hopelessness.
Little girl, I’m angry you didn’t know,
Not being taught was not an excuse.
You should have put it together sooner,
All the pieces were there to see the abuse.
Little girl, I’ve been so scared of you,
I’ve been threatened by your vulnerability,
I see you so different from the rest,
Demanding maturity, not fragility
Little girl, I’ve refused to accept you,
Denying the truth of your innocence.
Turning away from your tears and pain,
Rejecting your pleas of forgiveness.
Little girl, today I want to be brave
I’m ready to take a look in your eyes.
Lost and full of pain, and fear,
Seeing you tremble and hearing your cries.
No words are needed as I scoop her up,
Her tiny arms and mine wrapped up tight.
I stroke her hair and kiss her cheek,
Darkness slowly turns into light.
Sweet little girl, you’re not alone anymore,
I’m here and I love you, I’ll never leave you.
You’re going to be ok now sweet little girl
I forgive you, and I forgive me too.
One of the things I have learned in therapy is that everybody retains an imprint of their childhood self and it affects how we perceive the world. I, like you, spent so long berating and hating that child because I was in pain. And I, like you, learned in order to love ourselves we must forgive ourselves and our childhood selves. I wish you all…read more
“I thought I could love you”, was all you had to say. When you broke my heart and took all of my love away.
I don’t know what happened or what went wrong.
But, man, you had me playing as if I was your own love song;
And I can’t believe I stuck around and listened to your lies;
Because now look at me; all I do is cry.
Do you realize the power you had over me?
For CRYING OUT LOUD, you were like the air I needed to breathe!
And now we’re apart, and I’m all alone;
Looking for someone to make me feel whole.
You say we’ll still be friends;
But I know how it works out for me in the end….
With a broken heart that will never mend.
a time when life felt free,
where your mind could just be.
the harshness of the world has not yet consumed you,
it’s a time where your wildest dreams can still be true.
The world is still in color
a time before the world got duller
when unicorns still exist
and your face is sunkissed
you’re dancing in the rain
and there’s not yet anyone to blame
Before all the pain
when you had nothing to gain.
A time when the sun shines brighter,
where you just felt lighter.
when your mom still loved your dad
and cuss words were bad
A time when you were naive
when anyone could make you believe
when your mind felt free
and laughter was the key
A time when your life couldn’t get any better
except maybe if your mom bought you that new sweater
Childhood can be such a magical time and looking back on it can bring that magic back even for a second. Even through the pain, it is important to remember that feeling and tell ourselves it is ok to love and be loved freely.
I like the way you try to help others in certain situations and give advice
I like the way you get your eyebrows sharper than a fingernail
I like the way you have a open mind about anything or anyone
I like the way you’re learning how to communicate and be patient
I like the way you have a fear of rollercoasters but aren’t afraid to jump out a plane
I like the way you value alone time even though your friends are awesome
I like the way you smile even when you’re sad some days
I like the way you can sing the alphabet with your mouth closed and type a whole paragraph with your eyes shut
I like the way you’re not afraid to be harsh and be straight-forward with anyone
I like the way you stopped crying everyday for something sad and instead crying for something joyful
I love how kind and sweet your poem is. Too often we are mean to ourselves and I think it is important to keep reminding ourselves what we like. Keep up the good work!
Little girl, I love how much you believe in love. I admire your sense of humor and your attachment to things that other people think you’re silly or crazy for thinking. I love how you learned to keep trying even if whatever it was made you mad. I envy the carefree nature that you have and wish the world wasn’t going to be so unfortunate and cruel, but I can appreciate that you’ll adjust accordingly because adapting and overcoming will become what you are a pro at. Those, along with loyalty, laughter, and long-term relationships. I love that family is important to you and that you try to make time for everyone, even if they don’t do it for you. I love how no matter what life throws at you, you will still exceed your own expectations and continue to look ahead to what’s next, be it a challenge or peace. I love you, little girl, and I’m sorry if I ever made you think I didn’t, but understand I’ll spend forever making it up to you.
Don’t stop loving yourself, even if it is hard sometimes. You and your inner child deserve that love so keep reminding yourself of the best parts of you.
Good morning sweet angel
Know your heart is true
Every gift of kindness you give
Will one day come back to you
It won’t be overnight
Unfortunately your world now is cruel
Stay strong and keep going
You’ll get the justice that’s due
Your kindness will be mocked
It won’t mean you’re wrong
Many don’t have hearts as accepting as yours
Their mind is filled more with dark thoughts
Their self hatred gets projected
Against anyone that’s shining bright
God is keeping you protected
Cry your tears and say your prayers
This pain will make you strong
Your triumph will play like a symphony
A tale that reverses the narrative of life
Greed, vanity, and power is what they devour
Gifts of emptiness will take down their tower
Your beauty, grace, and forgiveness
Will radiate from the inside out
It was God who gift this
To eventually relinquish their dark souls doubt
There’s magic in your words
You will prove the wrong of their ways
And live a walking testimony
That the darkest nights lead to the brightest days
Marlo, your poem is a beautiful tribute to your younger self. Too often, the cruel world takes the happiness and hopefulness away that we have as children. I am inspired by the way you tell your childhood self to continue to radiate positivity even in the face of hatred. Thank you for sharing!
Dear Shiba,
Everything about you is inspiring to me. I look up to your spirit. You were beautiful and carefree. Careful to not run with the wrong crowd and caring to those around you. Who needed an in-crowd when the Earth, ancestors and your family surrounded you?
You weren’t allowed to run around without shoes, but you always took them off to ground yourself in the soil, especially when it rained. You carried a peaceful spirit in your aura.
Through the times when life wasn’t very kind, you did your best to smile and shine. Nothing could stop you. You were so resilient and bounced back from everything. Your smile lit up rooms and your laughter could be heard everywhere.
Naturally, you were a nurturer. You cared for your younger sister consistently, as to not let anything happen to her. You were her protector and when she hurt, you wiped her tears. You loved the innocence in babies and animals, and your protection for them remained solid. My beautiful young version of me, you were so shy. As grown us, I believe I now know why. The world can be harsh, and you did everything you could to protect us.
You gained your creative talents at a young age and never stopped. The third grade wanted to place you in the gifted program for your writing. Poetry was your favorite, and to this day it is mine. Not only do we still write poetry, we also write quotes and music. Our stage name is Sauced Goddess. Sauced means the way the words pour to the paper and Goddess because that is who we are.
Though you couldn’t draw, you were always crafting with objects. Your imagination was wild, and your curiosity was consistent. You were living life through fairy tale eyes, which showed you the true beauty of the faucets of life surrounding you. Though you were worried about people watching you and you being shy, you were fearless and always wanting to try new things.
You were a good child, but there were a few times that you took some chances, and I am proud of you for doing so. They were hidden accomplishments that definitely helped you grow. You were strong no matter what life threw at you.
Now look, We are standing tall now. It is because of how you loved us, and how we gained purity and strength through the eyes of a child. Never change yourself for you are perfect as you are. I love you so much and thank you for loving us.
Love always and forever,
Sauced Goddess
This letter is a sweet and inspiring tribute to the strength and innocence of your younger self. I can tell that both versions of you are brave enough to seek true happiness in life through your creativity and words. Thank you for sharing this personal letter with our community. I am truly inspired by you!
I am filled with awe for your everlasting virtue, a strong sense of pride in who you are becoming, and a rush of emotions as I sit down to write this letter to you. I want to tell you so many things, but above all, I want you to know how much I value and appreciate the person you are.
First of all, let me share my favorite thing about you. Your heart is in it. a sincere and compassionate heart. Even when they can’t see it in themselves, you always find the best in others. What makes you unique are your real desire to improve the world, your readiness to assist people without hesitation, and your compassion for them.
I want you to know that your natural desire to lend a hand to others is a virtue, not a weakness—especially in a society that occasionally looks down on generosity. Your efforts may occasionally seem insignificant or underappreciated but trust me when I say that they have a significant impact. You might not completely understand how your generosity affects lives and spreads throughout them.
You will encounter difficulties in the upcoming years that will test your faith in people and yourself. There will be periods of uncertainty and doubt. During those moments, never forget that your true desire to serve others, which comes from your heart, is your compass. It will lead you toward the light and through the darkest moments.
My dear younger self, never give up on your aspirations. Continue to tend to that lovely heart of yours. Never apologize for who you are; instead, celebrate your individuality. More people like you are needed in the world. individuals who aspire to have a beneficial impact on the world, love with great fervor and exhibit genuine caring.
Ravien, it sounds like both versions of you are the kind of people we need more of in the world. Your kind, compassionate, and generous heart really does inspire me. Everyone faces difficult chapters in their lives, but keeping an open heart through it all is an admirable feat. Thank you for sharing!
Dear child, let go of your worries.
You’re here for a purpose, I’m sure you know.
Though this world is large and you may be small,
You are connected to the source and the life force of all.
Dear child, open your eyes.
Though things seem strange, there’s room for surprise.
Each new day you wake holds potential for greatness,
A seed you can water and watch grow with awareness.
Dear child, remember your worth.
You were created for a reason.
The Divine orchestrated your birth.
Your soul is unique, with its own melody,
Brought here to find others and make new harmony.
Dear child, you are peace and love and grace.
It’s time for you to recall, see it shine from your face.
The purity you were born with can be returned to.
All that is meant will surely find you.
Dear child, don’t fret or fear.
Guidance and help are always near.
Follow the wisdom, the deep inner knowing.
This faith in the Divine keeps you ever flowing.
So my dearest child, breathe deeply.
Relax your being fully.
You have many gifts, they’re yours to keep.
Sofia, this poem is a lovely tribute to your younger self. I love how you gently remind yourself to let go of the problems and uncertainties and remember your worth. I am inspired by how supportive and kind you are to yourself. We are all our worst critics, so your encouragement is empowering. Thank you for sharing!
Dear younger self, amidst the labyrinth of youth,
Where uncertainties clouded paths, obscured truth,
You wandered through the years, searching deep,
Seeking identity, secrets to keep.
In the echoes of doubt and questioning gaze,
You found strength, navigating life’s maze,
Discovering within, a steadfast belief,
Not in heavens above, but in earthly relief.
From hesitant whispers to confident voice,
You embraced being atheist, making your choice,
Rejecting the dogma that others proclaimed,
Finding solace in reason, where truths remained.
In the mirror’s reflection, you faced your own face,
Accepting your disability, with dignity and grace,
Learning that difference does not mean less,
But a unique perspective, a strength to confess.
Happiness blossomed in the garden of your brain,
Not in falsehoods taught, but in being whole,
You learned to breathe freely, unburdened and light,
Embracing your stance, standing firm in your right.
Dear younger me, in the tapestry of time’s weave,
You discovered the power to believe,
In yourself, in your journey, unswayed by fear,
A woman of substance, your path crystal clear.
In a world where convictions often clash,
You found peace in embracing your own path,
An atheist, disabled, woman, proud and true,
In the vast expanse of life, embracing all of you.
Rebecca, your grit is an inspiration to me. I love how you describe what you endured when you were younger with strength and poise. It sounds like you have been a freethinker for your entire life. The power of embracing who you are is indescribable. Thank you for sharing!
To my younger self,
my mini me,
from future you
to you
I think what I love most
was the ignorance
you carried for the world.
In it
you lived as a free spirit,
embracing your weird
and wild side.
You lived
every day
exploring your creativity
through role playing,
an act that soon,
as you can see
would give
you the gift to create art.
You went on having great
memories,
from vacationing with family
down in Atlantic City,
to going to Cape May Beach
& Zoo with your sister
and your best friend.
You did it all for the first time,
through childlike wonder,
a feeling that I miss the more
time passes.
To tell you the truth,
mini me,
the reason I love this
is because I want it back.
Being an adult,
believe it or not,
isn’t all that
it’s cracked up to be,
and I sometimes wish
I can go back
in time and
be you again.
But since I can’t,
I’ll make you a promise,
we won’t stop until
we reach our dream
together.
Paige, I love how you acknowledge that many of us would love to go back to childhood. It seems like we are all in such a hurry to grow up, but once we do we miss the simplicity and newness of childhood. Once that “childlike wonder” is gone, it is nearly impossible to get it back. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem!
Youth is bittersweet.
We go from careless and free,
to conscious and caged.
Some grow up to embody their younger lives,
entwined with leaves of maturity and vines of knowledge.
Others,
are broken by the anger in the world.
What was so beautiful is now seen as a place of fear.
A castle is now dilapidated ruins.
A forest of nymphs and fairies,
leave only wood and dry leaves in its array.
Yet with growth, comes knowledge.
With knowledge, comes power.
And power,
Power leaves you with options.
Power leaves you with opportunities,
with confidence and success.
And pain.
Youth,
carefree and untouched by the world.
Unblemished, free of calluses and judgment.
Youth,
so oblivious.
Yet scars adorn us as we age,
wrinkles decorate us as our time ticks.
It’s a symbol,
a symbol of life.
No, not life,
a symbol of living.
Love, pain, and everything in between.
I remember as a child,
before I was speckled with scars,
I donned a pink robe everywhere I went.
to acquire mail, to run in the forest, feeding pets and watching films.
Scratchy from wear and tear,
pink fading to gray to brown to every other color spilled upon it.
As I grew my hair out,
as my freckles darkened,
The pink robe stayed.
In all it’s tacky finery.
Yet it also opened a door unbeknownst to me,
a door most open in their life.
My friends came to my house,
I answered the door.
The physical door.
And I saw judgment,
I saw not kids,
I saw tweens and teens.
And I saw the side glances,
as I stood there in my pink–
pinkish,
robe.
I beckoned them in,
they had seen me in my usual apparel,
why was I experiencing a foreign feeling?
This new door opened,
I now know it as shame.
Oh my darling,
I’m telling you now,
what I love most about you:
are not your struggles,
the battles you’ve won,
the demons you’ve fought,
the successes you have had,
the memories you have made.
What I love most about you,
even though it has changed;
was how easy it was to be yourself.
Even though time moves,
clocks tick,
youth is not forever.
Carefree was not an adjective found in just your adolescence,
It was adorned with your soul.
It was the purity in being your own true self.
That is what I loved so much.
I hope I make you proud.
And remember,
even though without a pink robe,
even with the knowledge of fear, failure and shame,
I can still be myself.
My armor is gone,
but my power is not.
Because with power I have opportunities,
I have options.
I have confidence.
I have pain.
But at least,
It’s my power.
The power of being true to yourself:
Something no one can take.
Frankie, I am so inspired by your words. As children, we are only concerned with what we enjoy and don’t yet worry about what others will think. Then one day that changes and we become ashamed of our own “pink robe”. Once we lose that childhood innocence, we have to be strong enough to let our true selves free. Thank you for sharing your beautiful poetry.
Dear inner child
My sweet inner child
I love many things about you
When crayons smashed against egg shell colored paper became
keys paired with hours of a blinding screen
You sat behind me in a torn computer chair
Yelling
” type faster, dork”
When our first and only love
in middle school
Turned into our second and third In our teenage years
You made sure to bring lilies to the doorstep
every heart break
When listening to hours and hours of our parents yell on Rodney St
words seeping through the threads of our pillow cases
Turned into hours and hours of yelling at my boyfriends through
The phone
You hugged my leg sticking out your tongue at them
When chuckling to our grandma about her fear of planes
as we sat on a 20 hour ride to Florida on a train
Melted into choking on my tears
forced to stare at a pot holding her ashes
You sat in my lap and held my hand
When Disney movies at nine years old
stayed Disney movies at twenty
You sung louder to Kiss The Girl
And threw popcorn in the air
dancing
The thing that I love most is
That you’ve stayed by my side through every change
every phase
Even when life grabs me by the neck and tells me to
“Grow up”,
And let go of you
You stand tall and whisper
every time
“Never”
Taylor, I love how you encourage keeping that childhood wonder and innocence. If we don’t keep some of it, we will become jaded fast. It is truly amazing how resilient we are, and I am inspired by the way you grow from each heartbreak and setback. Thank you for sharing your experiences!