DEAR LITTLE JILL...

Dear Little Jill...

Having the benefit of being you for some time, experiencing all that you have experienced, and knowing what you have yet to know, I have a few loving words of wisdom to share.

First, the world is a big place. It is so much larger than you can see with young eyes. The small bruises you take from this journey are much easier to handle if you can see beyond yourself. What feels like a crushing blow to your heart or your ego isn't really so bad. It doesn't even register in the big picture, and one day, you'll hardly remember any specific moments of unhappiness.

Secondly, don't worry that not everyone you meet will want to be your friend. It's not about what's missing in you, it's just a fact that some personalities aren't meant to work together. You'll find your "right" people when you start to believe in yourself and value the good traits you have.

Lastly, you are resilient and unflappable. It's a trait that you won't become truly aware of until you're older. One day someone will point it out to you, and you'll realize that it's true. It's OK to be a bit tough, as long as you don't let it get in the way of the times when you need to be kind. Never forget to first be kind.

So, little me,  although I wouldn't suggest changing too much about the way you do things (the butterfly effect is said to throw things off kilter) I want you to know that there is a lot of love waiting for you in the future. Not only will you be loved by others more than you could have ever imagined, but you'll love and respect yourself more too. Believe that you deserve good things and keep truckin', little one! As you always suspected, things will turn out right.

Love,
Grown up Jill

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We are celebrating Valentine's Day by writing love letters to our little selves. This idea stems from one of my favorite quotes by Kris Carr, “Picture yourself when you were five. in fact, dig out a photo of little you at that time and tape it to your mirror. How would you treat her, love her, feed her? How would you nurture her if you were the mother of little you? I bet you would protect her fiercely while giving her space to spread her itty-bitty wings. she’d get naps, healthy food, imagination time, and adventures into the wild. If playground bullies hurt her feelings, you’d hug her tears away and give her perspective. When tantrums or meltdowns turned her into a poltergeist, you’d demand a loving time-out in the naughty chair. From this day forward I want you to extend that same compassion to your adult self.” This Valentine's Day, take time to write little you a love letter. What are three things you would tell yourself? Show yourself some fierce love this month. ♥