A Love Letter to My Younger Self

I've always wanted to try this exercise of writing a letter to your younger self. Thank you Amy Jo Martin for inspiring me to write this letter.

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Dearest Lorie,

I write this letter to you now to share how much I love you. These words won’t make sense to you but I promise, you will feel it one day especially for yourself. I know it sounds funny, the thought of loving yourself because we are taught to give our love to others. There will be many things that you will learn as a child that will not make sense as you grow up. But don’t worry, you are a strong person and you will eventually figure it out.

I know that in the last few years at home have been very hard. You’ve seen a lot of violence. I’m so proud of you for taking care of your sisters and our Mom. Know that none of this is your fault. Love hurts. It will hurt you more in the future. But remember this. Every time you fall in love and get hurt, you are getting stronger. The pain you are experiencing now is to build your capacity to love even more in the future. Everything is happening for a reason. You need to go through this in order to love others more completely. This is your purpose in life.

As you become a teenager next year, I thought to share some life lessons with you. These tips will hopefully guide you as you navigate various choices and events in your life. Even if you go in a different direction than what I’ve shared below, it’s okay. You always find your way back home and there’s no such thing as failure. Every moment in life is a learning experience.

1. It’s okay to not be busy. You will feel restless at times and want to keep yourself busy all the time. Leave space for you to be spontaneous and in the moment. Those unplanned activities are so much fun.
2. Pause before saying yes. Feel it. Then respond. Only say yes if it feels good and say yes because you want to and not because you have to.
3. Stay curious. That is one of your greatest strengths. Don’t make any assumptions even if it feels like you know what is happening. Give every person and situation the benefit of the doubt and listen with an open heart.
4. You will become a lifelong learner. Start reading books. This will support you as there will be many books and articles to read that will interest you.
5. Surround yourself with people that will lift you higher. There will be times that you want to please others so that you can feel accepted. Find people who accept you as you are and love you for being you. They see you and will love you no matter what. Those are your people.
6. Ask for support when you need it. Don’t feel like you have to do it all on your own. We are stronger when we collaborate and support each other.
7. Take care of your health. Sleep for at least 8 hours. Take time to rest and relax. Drink at least 8 glasses of water and eat well. If you start this now, you will make it easier to live a healthier life as you get older.
8. Notice and see people. I know this is something that you do naturally as you know how it feels to be left out. Make sure that everyone you meet feels seen, heard and cared for. Take the time to get to know them as a person. Ensuring people feel they belong and are making an impact will be your career and business in life.
9. Start sharing your story. Vulnerability is a strength. When you open your heart, others will do the same. Your courage will inspire others to share their voice as well.
10. Keep dancing. Listen to your favourite tunes and move your body. This will be your way to feel free and to let go of any negative thoughts or experiences. Dancing will bring you more joy and love into your life.

And finally, a little advice for when you start dating. You will go through a few relationships until you find the one. At first, you will think that love comes from others and that these men will make you feel loved. You will eventually learn that you must love yourself first in order to be in a loving partnership. This is true for all of your relationships. Love and trust starts with you.

When you truly love and trust yourself, I will be there waiting for you.

Love,

Lorie