This past weekend, I was asked to invite all past versions of myself to a yoga mat and just be. At first I was hesitant and resistant, but eventually.....
I welcomed the child victim within,
The one who felt alone,
The one who loved to play and dance,
The self that felt unseen and misunderstood,
The self that sought love in the wrong places,
The self that felt shame for past mistakes and unspoken words,
The self that laughs with abandon and sings during the day,
The self that makes mistakes as a mother, friend, wife,
The self that loves God and sees His beauty in the birds above and the grass below,
The self that loves the ocean yet fears drowning in it,
The self that is both big and confident, yet craves validation.
I embraced them all, expressing gratitude for their love, lessons, protection, and willingness to grow with me.
I then saw myself in the women around me:
In the one feeling left and alone, for I too have been left and felt alone. She rose, dusted herself off, and showed up for herself.
In the one leaving for her own sake and her children’s, for I too have left for myself and my child, feeling free, scared, and
proud. She showed up for herself.
In the one full of light and energy, who once lost it but is reclaiming it.
For I too have lost my light and found a way to reignite it.
In the one tired of accommodating others, ready to prioritize herself.
For I too have put others before me until I reached my limit.
In the one who dreams bigger for herself and her family, for I too dream expansively for myself and those I love.
In the nurturing one, moving and speaking with intention, showering love in every hug. For I aspire to be more intentional
and nurture those I cherish.
In the young girl, surrounded by women who love her, represent parts of her, and wish to see her thrive. For that is all I
desired years ago, and it’s a blessing to witness it in her.
In the one who holds space for everyone, shows up with love, prioritizes herself, and speaks with clarity. For I strive to be
more like her.
In the one wishing to leave behind unwanted versions of herself, for she has evolved. I too have wished to leave parts behind,
yet I choose to carry them with me—all of me. To learn from each past version and from these women who show up for each
other. I am showing up for myself in the same way.
I am big, I am small, I am sensitive, I am strong. I am all of her. All of them, and they are all of me.
