People often write letters to their younger selves, full of advice that comes with the wisdom of age and experience. I love to read them and enjoy the insights they offer. Lately though, I’ve done the opposite – I’ve been listening to what the little girl inside me would say – advice from my eight-year-old self.
Most of my worldly possessions are packed in boxes and will be for many more months as we build our new home. Packed away are nearly all of our family photos, so when I recently came across a favorite picture that captures my childhood, it was as if I awoke the eight-year-old in me from a deep sleep wanting to share words of wisdom. This particular photo was enhanced by a friend to look like a page straight from a Wonder Woman comic book, which is a dream come true for any young girl, making it that much more meaningful. (I shared this photo a few years ago on the occasion of my 41st birthday.)
That younger self reminds me to find joy in the little things:
Laying in the cool green grass and watching the white clouds against the bright blue sky.
Spinning around in circles until I was so dizzy, I would fall down.
Running around the house as Wonder Woman fighting for peace and justice, my jump rope “Lasso of Truth” always at the ready.
Sitting for hours under the canopy of trees, imagining a magical world all around me.
Moments of pure joy – no agenda, no expectation, simply enjoying the experience right in front of me.
This little girl in the Wonder Woman Underoos tells me to slow down; pause, breathe deeply and stop taking myself so seriously. She whispers:
Laugh
Feel the grass beneath your feet
Breathe in the fresh air and look up at the clouds
Sing at the top of your lungs
Live in the moment
I encourage you to find a picture of yourself from childhood. Look at your younger self and listen to what it tells you – remember favorite memories, small moments you’d likely forgotten. There is a beautiful wisdom in youth.
