Letter To My Younger Self!
Image by Khia Onyá White
Some years ago, I developed the habit of regularly writing to my younger self
when I began my transformation journey! But before then, it was quite challenging to reflect and process all that I had been through. The intrusive voices in my head were loud and I didn’t even know what my voice sounded like because the voices I heard were full of criticisms and soaked in limiting beliefs. But with a dedicated intention to acknowledge my past, I found the process therapeutic.
Navigating life without a father can be a profound and often challenging journey. The absence of a protector, provider, guide, encourager, and role model takes a toll on the lives of every child. Even living in a society that pays little to no attention to the perils of fatherlessness doesn’t help matters either. Somehow, amidst the heartacheful experiences, one of the tools I relied on to transition from a fatherless daughter mindset to a priceless GEM mindset was recognizing and honoring my past self offered comfort and insight as I journeyed on.
The emotional landscapes daddyless daughters traverse are deeply personal, shaped by experiences that only they can truly understand. As such, I invite you to begin your transformative journey by writing to your younger self.
Here is why it is important to do so:
Emotional Healing: Writing a letter to your younger self allows you to revisit and process past emotions with the wisdom you’ve gained. It allows you to confront and acknowledge the pain and confusion you may have experienced. It’s also an opportunity to offer comfort, reassurance, validation, and understanding to the part of you that might still carry old wounds.
Self-Compassion: It’s easy to be hard on yourself for past mistakes or perceived shortcomings. When you address your younger self with kindness and encouragement, you affirm your own strength and growth. It’s a way to acknowledge how far you’ve come and to remind yourself of your inner resilience.
Empowerment: Imagine being able to offer your younger self advice or reassurance. You’d tell them about the strength they possess, the joys they’ll experience, and the challenges they’ll overcome. This exercise not only provides perspective but also reinforces your own sense of purpose and direction in your journey.
How to Write to Your Younger Self
Find a Quiet Space: Choose a peaceful environment where you can reflect on your thoughts and feelings without distractions.
Visualize Your Younger Self: Picture yourself at a younger age. You can select a particular age bracket. What were you feeling? What did you need at that time?
Connect to your Heart: Write as if you are talking to a dear friend. Be honest, compassionate, gentle, and affirming.
Offer Guidance and Reassurance: Share what you’ve learned since then. Offer encouragement and tell your younger self that they are strong and loved.
Seal It with Love: Finish the letter with a note of love and pride. Remind your younger self how much they matter, how far they’ve come, and the future you see ahead. This is where your younger self cooperates to ride along with you.
Writing to your younger self can be a profound and nurturing experience. It’s a chance to offer healing and encouragement to the part of you that might still be hurting. Some of the clients I have worked with in this process often share how not only therapeutic the exercise is, but it also allows for forgiveness, closure, and extracting the lessons from their experience. If you need some personal guidance on how your transformation journey or have some questions, feel free to reach out to us at the GEM Daughters Network, or email us via info@gemdaughtersnetwork.org. My beloved, take a moment sometime this weekend to pen down your thoughts and feelings. Your past, present, and potential self will thank you for it.
