I was looking at old family pictures and took pause when I saw myself as a young mother. So polished and busy, so needing to get it right, so affected by what anyone thought of me. I wondered what I would tell myself as a young woman if she were standing in front of me now. I would grab her by the shoulders and gently shake her into wakefulness, asking her to release the need for approval and to be perfect.
I would tell her that she has a right to be herself. Actually, it’s more than that. I would tell her that she has an obligation to be her true self and that she’d better start now to find out who she is. I would say that her voice is unique and I would encourage her to speak it even when facing criticism. I would tell her that courage will carry her and honesty will free her, to strive to be a warrior and a sage, and always to remember that she is loved and cherished. How she treats others is a window into her soul – choose consciously and love fully and be open and able to receive as well as to give.
What would you tell your younger self? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Wow, beautiful words Ellie.
A few years ago I asked my mother what I was like as a child as I really had no sense of what I was like or how people saw me. Her response was, You were a good girl, everyone liked you and you were always welcome wherever we went. Well that was nice but who was I? Was I funny, was I kind, smart, what kind of personality did I have? I seemed to always follow the crowd, wanting to be like everyone I was with, never really feeling authentic.
Funny that this post came up today as I had a memory pop up on facebook with a picture of Gladys and myself. I was about 50 or so when I met Gladys and Marcy, and it was being with them that I finally found out who I was and that I was an important person, just as much as they were to me. Wow, what a moment that was as the 3 of us sat in my kitchen and I suddenly saw myself jumping up onto the pedestal I placed them on. A life changer!
Now if I could tell my younger self that I could elevate myself to loving exactly who I was, who knows where my life would be now. Although I wouldn’t change a thing as my life is beautiful just as it is now, with more growth, love and adventures in the horizon.
And…If if was any different, I would not be typing this to a most wonderful friend right now.
I love you Ellie! <3
I am so grateful for your sharing these thoughts. It’s wonderful to be growing and reflecting together. I love you, too, Barbara!
Hi Ellie. I am a friend of our mother’s thou I am a late in life friend as we formed a friendship thru bridge. I am your older sister’s age so we are not actually contemporaries. I must say it is an honor to be her friend. She has taught me so much and is so insightful about things and I have a feeling she was a great influence on you. I so enjoy your blogs and maybe one day when you are in Philadelphia we will get a chance to meet.
It’s so nice to hear from you, Sue. My mom told me about you. Thanks so much for following these blogs and I’d love to get together when I am in town. And, yes, she has had a great influence on me.
I love this!! Great thing to think about!!