Letter to Myself

I attended a women’s workshop this weekend and we were asked to write a letter to ourselves.

This was the prompt: Imagine that you are 80 years old. From the wisdom of your years, consider: what would I say to myself right now?

Below is my response that poured out of me. It was like I knew all along.

Dear Jessica,

Go after it.

The moment there is hesitancy, recognize it is just your old friend, fear, popping up its sweet familiar face. Bless it and know whatever it has to say to you, does not serve you. The world awaits and needs you.

Do not sit on the sidelines, dear one. Playing small does not serve you… or the world. Get into the game. Dictate it and write your rules. Share your failures with others, especially women, and also share your rising. They will be eager to hear, even if they are afraid and doubt.

Always remember: You will doubt yourself. Recognize it and know that the discomfort of the doubt actually propels you into really learning to trust yourself. This will be a lifelong journey. Back and forth, back and forth. Learn to love both and choose yourself every time. Savor each corner and curve ball life throws your way. These are gifts. Treat them as such and respect the lesson that you may not know you are ready to learn.

Open your heart. There is an endless field of possibilities that await you when you live from your heart. If there is anything to take away from this entire letter. Trust it, Jessica. You will stand alone in this wilderness. It is the territory of the heart. It will scare you, because you will be used to playing small. Remember, it is just new. It is learning to ride a bicycle. It will take lots of practice. Trying again, and again, and again. Be patient and kind as you learn. It will be clunky. All that matters is.. you get back on the bike. Get back on the bike, Jessica, even when you don’t want to. Especially when you don’t want to. Get back up, mama. Go. Again. And Again.

Madison needs to learn how to do this for herself. She will learn best when your life reflects it. No need to explain. Words actually will get in the way. She will know when she sees you do it. You will be the most powerful example of not giving up on yourself. She must see it. It is in you. It is you.

You will be your biggest obstacle. Always. You will also be your biggest champion… if you allow yourself in. Learning to be unapologetically you will be your greatest contribution to the world… and all you encounter. Did you hear that? Really hear that? Listen, Jessica. You won’t want to hear or know this about yourself.

You are your greatest gift.

Go after it. Your life depends on it.

With such love and tenderness,

Jessica