To the girl in the mirror with the tears in her eyes
Staring intently at her double chin and the ripples in her thighs
Listening to a voice in her head, whispered sweet nothings that have soured and sharpened-leaving long scars down arms that you no longer consider beautiful-
You are loved.
You are loved you are loved you are loved.
I’ll say it once more because it’s hard to hear over the internal and external screaming-voices raining down falsities, attracting you like magnets
YOU ARE LOVED!
Let the words wash over you: thunder down and fire up-burning the root of the problem-the seeds that planted how you see yourself in the world.
“It’s better to hear it here so you’re tough when you go out there-“
That’s not true.
You are loved and you are beautiful.
You’re going to make it through.
The wounds may be bleeding but they are going to heal-you are not broken.
People may be laughing but you are not a clown-you are a queen and there’s no need to fix your crown.
Don’t wipe the tears from your eyes and don’t pick yourself up because it’s okay to feel what you are feeling: you don’t need to take on strong.
But you need to take on love.
When I wrap myself around me I am really holding on to you-
Giving you sweet kisses and tender words to offset the harsh reality that you thought you needed to live in.
Elixirs for your scars and for the pains.
I want you to know that your thighs keep me warm at night
Your chin is the essence of your face and smile
And those voices? We’re on a journey to conquer the voices.
You will-we will-conquer every single one.
Here’s the weapon:
You are loved.
I love you.

Dear younger Rachel,
Waves come faster than you think
Trying to catch the sunsets before you blink
Days and years coming at you like the speed of life
Demons haunting you
But light shines in something everyday
Remember to hold the rope and climb
No matter how many steps it takes
Reach for the stars
Keep shining bright
Remember things will pass
Remember the root of the tree
The people that love you
The simplest things that make you proud
All will be well
You will meet incredible people
Touch so many hearts
Inspire the world
And most importantly be at peace
With yourself
You will find strength
And everyone will know your name

Dear Baby Girl,
A nick name I gave to you in your younger years, As I write to you across the chasm of time, my bridge of ink and memory too, As I whisper the truths of life you need to hear.
As you begin to feel the weight of the tomorrows, for I see you begin to fret about the future, don’t you? As worry gnaws at your tender heart, but let me assure you, dear one your guiding light will shine, and you will succeed.
Your unseen path is your life’s map that unfolds in so many mysterious ways, the paths you cannot fathom stretch ahead. Each twist, each turn as opportunities awaits, And worry? Don’t fret Baby Girl for it’s only a shadow on the road.
The Canvas of Dreams are your dreams to paint with bold but soft strokes, for they’ll shape your tomorrows. Fear not the blank canvas and paint what you see in your mind; Your colors will be made into a masterpiece.
The Symphony of Resilience is a life’s symphony that plays discordant notes but hear me closely the crescendo nears. Your heartstrings will weave resilience, And worry? It’s but a transient note.
The Constellations of Hope look up, little stargazer! You see the constellations of hope? Each starlight in the sky whispers to you, that “you are enough, just as you are.”
The wings sprout from your shoulder blades, Invisible yet sturdy. They’ll carry you Beyond the horizon of doubt, where worry shall dissolve into stardust.
The Echo of Love is like a river that flows through every season of your soul. So, drink deeply love, for its currents will save you when storms rage.
The Mirrors of Grace are when you gaze into mirrors, see the beauty and poise reflects at you. Your imperfections? They’re brushstrokes, and the portrait of your becoming.
The Whispers of Stars are your secrets that you leave throughout the night sky. Now you have learned to listen to your thoughts in peace and ahead whisper to you the encouragement of the bravery of your future self.
The Unfolding, for your young heart, fret not. The universe conspires in your favor and will embrace the unknown, for within it lies the magic of your becoming.
So, as I come to the end of this letter to me, my sweet innocent younger me, always stay true to you.

What’s wrong little one?
What’s that frown all about?
Don’t you know it’ll all be okay.
You shouldn’t worry about that troubles you may face. Instead focus on the adventures you will make!
Just like the birds above gliding through life.
It’s going to be alright.

What’s up young man?
What’s that frown all about?
Don’t you know it’ll all be okay.
It’s was just another bad day, some times there’s struggles we face. But we mustn’t let the world take our fate!
Just like the lions know their place in life.
It’s going to be alright.

It’s all alright.
It’s all alright.

Little one don’t you worry
Time will scurry
And sometimes you’ll feel in such a hurry
Just try to listen to the songs of the canary
I know it feels heavy
But think of the strength you’ll gain
Shh Listen to the wind blow
Little one you should know
As you grow
Some people will go
But remember how you collect everything that shines and glows
You’ll do that with everyone you know
Gifting everyone you meet with a piece of you to collect
As we’re all just mosaics of everyone we’ve met
Honey don’t worry you’ll find the way just get up and seize the day
And remember life is art in every way

This poem is inspired by God and the Solar Eclipse of April 2024

In the beginning you are a glowing circle surrounded by God’s light.

There will be times in life this circle starts to fill with dark spaces.

You begin to feel like there is no way out of this valley you are stuck in. Finding a way to the top of the mountain seems virtually impossible. Now the feelings of complete hopelessness and despair have set in.
The spark you once had has now faded into complete cold and darkness.

You are now at rock bottom.

Once at rock bottom your circle is now completely dark even though now you are still surrounded by God’s light.

With the passing of time the darkness only seems to worsen. All hope is now completely diminished.

Then without notice one day this tiny glimmer of hope shines through.

Just enough hope that sparks feelings of happiness, strength, and even determination.

Each passing day you continue to feel like smiling again. The light continues to take away the darkness.

Once again you find you are a glowing circle surrounded by the light of God.

IT’S A WONDERFUL RIDE

What if you fall on the sidewalk and your knee’s really bleeding
What if you can’t find a grown up to help with what you are needing
What if mommy forgets you in the classroom one day
What if you can’t hit the ball and kids won’t let you play
What if you fail the math test that you studied for last night
What if that loud mouthed bully is just itching to fight
What if the guy you love this week doesn’t like you at all
What if you think that you’re ugly- Too fat, short, thin or tall
What if someone says “Smoke this- And you’ll be super cool”
What if you can’t tell the truth when they call your parents to school
What if you have to drink beer to fit in with your friends
What if you have to have sex- Or the relationship ends
You’re scared and you’re sad- Sometimes stressed and depressed
And wonder if this world without you might just be for the best
Yet before you do anything drastic or strange
Or make an impulsive decision which you never can change
These feelings are valid and I don’t mean to diminish
But I’ve seen this whole movie from the start to the finish
And here’s a spoiler alert which you just shouldn’t ignore
What’s coming is magnificent and magic and more
And these day to day issues that now seem so traumatic
You’ll see were just trivial and for the most part- dramatic
Please believe this old lady and take the small stuff in stride
Because what if someday you realize- Your life’s been one amazing ride