The Nurturing Words

By Wendy Lee

August 3, 2017

I was looking for inspiration to jumpstart my writing.  Hell, I was looking for inspiration to get unstuck in life.  Everywhere I searched, everything was flat.  I was flat.

I came across journaling prompts for self-discovery.  The very first one asked what I would say if I could talk to my teenage self.

Oh brother.

This is a common question or technique used by therapists, and I have had therapists try to help me explore this question.

Nope.

No way.

Nada.

I didn’t do it in therapy.  It seemed silly.  And until about three or four years ago, I just wasn’t able to face myself and my pain in therapy.  Somewhere along the way, though, I broke through the wall and become genuine and real in therapy, and indeed in life.

When I came across the teenage-age self-question this time, I was shocked to find such nurturing words spill out of me.  These words are of great comfort to me now, my heart feeling a little battered and bruised.

The words that I would say to my teenage-self are the words I need today.

It turns out that I have a lot of wisdom and kindness inside of me.   I should listen to my heart a little more often, because it is sort of nice.

Here are my words to my teenage self.

“My dear Wendy, you are a beautiful creation with unique gifts to give to the world.  Life is difficult for you now, but you will grow into a most treasured and loved adult.  Find your voice, and be proud of who you are.  Silence your critics with your heart, your kindness and your generosity.  Show the world love, help those in need, and reach out to those weaker than you so that you lift them up.

Critics will be everywhere, and you are especially susceptible to criticism because your heart is too big and you feel things to your depths.  Instead of cowering and avoiding this, use it to your advantage to bring light into this world.

Talk to a therapist and face all of the hurt.  If you don’t, you will carry it throughout your life.  It is better to leave it here, in your childhood, so that you can flourish in adulthood.

Forgive those who have hurt you.  They were acting on the skills and consciousness they had at the time.  They are not you.  They need forgiveness and love so that they can outgrow their own problems.

Don’t ever let anyone tell you how you should feel, think, act or be.  Be your best self always, glow in the darkness, be a searchlight for everyone else.  The world needs you, and the world needs you strong and whole.

With love.