To Your Young Self

        Have you ever been asked (or even seen in it in a post, somewhere), what you would tell your younger self, if you could?  Have you actually considered that question, seriously, beyond a quick glance through your mind at the prompt? 

        Hmm... I've been thinking about that.  Maybe we can consider it, a bit closer?  You brave enough to join me?  Maybe grab a pen and paper?

Then let's do this.

What does it mean to talk to your past self, anyway?

What age(s) would you choose?

What kind of message would you want to send?  Positive?  Uplifting?  Comforting?

Or would you feel like your younger self should be treated with little kindness?

Would you hurt or belittle them?  Shame them?  Punish them?

What would it really be like, to sit down with that younger self of your choosing, and have a chat?

Where would you want to go?

What time of day?

Would anyone else be around?

How would you set the stage for this interview?

Then...

How would you help this younger one feel the way you want them to feel?

What would you actually say?  What words would you choose?

You know this younger person more than anyone on earth, so you know how they'll react.

How would you treat them, when all would be said and done?

How would you want them to feel, having had this chat?

What would you want them to change, as a result? 

Do you think that the way you treat them would facilitate that change? 

When all is said and done...

When you remember who this younger person is...

And remember that the way you treat them is an expression of how you feel about your present you...

What might you change?  Anything?  

Would it have made any difference if you had been treated that way, back then?

How would you be better off, now, had you had that chat, then?

And...

Were you able to love that younger you, and could you feel compassion for them?

Can you find that kind of kindness for them?

Can you find that love and compassion for your present self, now?

Do you realize that the you who is reading this, is a younger version of one who comes later?

What kind of love and compassion might you wish you'd had for yourself, right now?

Do you think it's time to offer that to your present self?

Do you see how important it is to treat your present self with respect, love and compassion, so you can be able to have a wonderful, loving, grateful chat, later?

I believe in you...

I believe in us...

        Better days ahead, my friends!