“These are the grand years.”
~Sara Gruen, Water for Elephants
I’ve often seen the question asked, “what would you tell your 16 year old self?”
And I absolutely believe in reflecting as a powerful tool to help us recognize where we’ve come + what we believe in.
But I have a different question for you today:
What would the 95 year old you want you to know right now?
Stop and close your eyes and contemplate this.
Really think about it.
Get into you at 95.
You’re looking back…what wisdom do you have to give yourself?
I’m willing to bet that you will not encourage yourself to think judgmental thoughts each time you look in the mirror.
And I’m pretty sure you won’t want to worry about how many calories you’re eating each day.
I know your future self will not really look back and complain about the size of your home or the brand of your car.
You probably won’t advise the you in this moment to work more hours + miss family events or milestones for your children.
That future self will certainly not tell you to rush around through each of your days.
In fact, I’m willing to bet that the wise old soul within you would probably wholeheartedly declare to you something more like this:
You are enough.
I love you.
All the time + just as you are.
Your body is gorgeous. Own it.
Your dreams are waiting for you to live beyond your fears…take the risk. You’re gonna soar.
Forget about the to do list + play more with your babes.
Spend more afternoons napping + cuddling up with someone you love.
Take walks + immerse yourself in the beauty of the world around you.
Forgive. Now. Always. Everyone. Especially yourself.
Be kinder to yourself. In your thoughts, your words, and your deeds.
Be willing to let your own happiness matter.
What you want really is a tool to guide you. Listen to your desires.
Laugh more often…even when it feels like you’re supposed to be really serious.
Lighten up. Your mood. Your energy. Your stuff. Your space.
Enjoy the delicious moments that feel like heaven. Each one is a blessing.
Remember that this too shall pass…
so live it up when you’re feelin’ high + trust the journey when you’re feelin’ the struggle.
Cultivate your hope.
Take yourself less seriously.
Laugh at yourself more.
Look yourself in the eye each day and affirm: I love you.
Give thanks. All the time.
Be more generous. Give it away.
Take more mental pictures. Get out from behind the device + savor the experience.
Practice presence.
And patience.
Trust yourself. Completely. Know that your inner guidance is there for you.
Look for the good. Everywhere
See the silver lining + the beauty in everything.
Honor yourself + where you came from. Appreciate your roots + spread your wings.
Forget comparing yourself to others…this is your life experience.
Remember that we are all connected.
Create wellbeing within so that you can truly shine your light + be the change.
Dig your hands in the soil. Walk barefoot upon the land. Open your arms to the sky.
Live in alignment with nature + feel your consciousness expand.
Love yourself. Love others. Love our great Mother Earth.
Soothe your soul with love + kindness.
Give more hugs.
Receive + allow the flow of love to wash over you.
Share your love. You are infinite.
Play. Every day.
Let your work feel playful.
Smile…give this gift to everyone you can.
Dance. Groove your way through the challenges.
Have more fun…make space for it + invite fun into your life.
Act silly. Stay in touch with the child in you.
Sing, even if it’s off key. Music + sound heal us.
Be good to your body, but not so strict that you stress yourself + forget the fun.
Let your lifestyle feel nourishing + balanced.
Let your heart overflow with appreciation.
Let your light shine. Now is your time.
Enjoy the journey…these are the grand years.
p.s. Remember, I love you.
Now I invite you to create your own advice from your 95 year old self…daydream about it, journal, write it out…share it here + decide what really matters to YOU.
Thank you for being part of this journey…your presence + commitment to self love + awareness inspire me to shine.
