Dear Younger Me, I Got This!

Close your eyes and imagine a time you rode your bike at full speed, lifting your legs slightly above the pedals, feeling the breeze of the wind hitting your face as you struggle to keep your bike stable, you probably became flooded with emotions of joy, warmth and happiness. On the other hand, you may also remember the first time someone in your childhood made you question your worth by saying something like you need to eat more to put some meat on those bones or made a comment about your underdeveloped body. Both memories represent the inner child and may have an everlasting effect on you even today. One of those memories you may find yourself needing to heal from.

As children, we are given our self-esteem from our parents and/or caregivers, peers and more recently social media. Growing up, I was given mixed messages regarding self-esteem from people in my life through verbal and nonverbal cues. I had my maternal grandmother who made me believe I could become anything I dreamed of, but there were other family members who unraveled every bit of confidence she gave to me. I also learned mixed messages through being in pageants at a young age, but then I was constantly compared to others and responded to the nickname “ugly” often. I never felt pretty or assured of myself because of this. In the moments I felt freer in myself, it quickly ended by being told how, “Children should be seen and not heard.” As much as I tried to ignore the mixed messages from those who were responsible for my self-esteem, the struggle became overwhelming. I struggled with this inner battle of my self-worth well into my adult years. It was not until my Junior/Senior year in college before I began to have an awakening and began my journey of healing. By this time, my environment was filled with peers including professors who made me feel safe, seen, loved, heard and accepted. Through self-preservation and self-healing, I became to know my worth and became committed to self-love. It was now time to make peace with my inner child. I had to let her know she no longer need to question her worth; we are content and at peace with who we are. We are even helping others to become the best version of who they are meant to be.

I sat quietly, opening a notebook and I wrote a letter to younger me. I wrote a whole 5-page letter and I let her know, Younger me……I Got This!

When you think of your inner child, are you reminded of joy or does your inner child need healing? Have you thought about writing a letter to younger you? Let me know in the comments how has your inner child reminded you of a simpler, care-free time and/or maybe there are parts of your inner child waiting to be healed?