Look at her. 19 years old.
Eager to begin a new adventure.
Full of youthful confidence, there's so much she doesn't know yet.
Traveling back in time to hold her in the warmest, most nurturing embrace.
What would I say to her if I could?
I love you so very much. Just as you are, and as you are becoming.
You have nothing to prove to anyone. You are enough.
You get to be here. You get to take up space.
You are beautiful. Your body is beautiful. Your body is yours. You get to choose who gets in and who stays out.
Your needs matter. And you are worthy of having your needs met.
Choose connection and fun over "being responsible" Trust that it will get you where you want to be.
Everything you need to thrive is in your seed; you get to water, feed and nurture it with your own unique and beautiful magic.
You are indestructible. But that doesn't mean you have to take the hard road every time.
Surround yourself with the people who fill you up, and turn away from the people who don't.
Your parents are figuring it out just like you are. They love you more than you can know, and they do know some stuff.
Take your dad's advice - find that tree that's waiting to be your friend.
Lots of those voices in your head aren't yours. The world doesn't always have your best interests at heart.
But Nature does. Go there for the answers.
It's never too late. You have time.
Listen to Leonard Cohen. There is a crack in everything. That' s how the light gets in.
I love you more than words.
Also, grrls with naturally curly hair don't need perms.
Thanks for reading.
If you’re looking for me off Substack, you’ll find me here, here, here and in the Kin Keerpers’ Collective