The following was written for a friend’s sister who was turning 18.  As I was writing it, I realized I wished someone had done this for me…at 4, 18, or 25 or 38 or 54, and I’m sharing it because I suspect you might wish someone had done the same for you.

These pieces of advice are loving and can lift you up, validate you, help you love your own unique human-ness…and they are things you may not be used to hearing from anyone at any age in your life – not even yourself. 

So be that someone for you.  Get comfy, take a few deep breaths deep into your belly and close your eyes.   Imagine your soul, spirit, or higher wisdom sitting in front of you.  (You can learn more about how to get in touch with your soul in Abigail’s “Hear Your Soul, Heal Yourself” eBook and The Core Anamsong Mind-Body Practice)  Imagine her radiating love to you – feel what that’s like and take it in!  She knows and loves you only because of who you are.  She is ageless (any age) and very wise. 

Imagine her saying these words…

My dearest one,

This is important, but hard to remember in this world we live in, during our busy lives.  Keep this message deep in your heart and pull it out whenever necessary to get back on the path of love for yourself.

Never sell yourself short in any aspect of your life…work, career, relationships, purpose. You are here for a reason, you are here as a gift.  You may not know all the twists and turns of that now, but be curious about it, because as you live your life and look back as you live it, you will see the thread, the sacred thread that is you – and all the meaning there is to your one wonderful life and all the lives you touch at this moment in time.  You are a magnificent woman already…just carry that forward and let it ripen.

Laugh at your mistakes, at your self-perceived failings…they are stepping stones to learning more about the real you and success in your life – as YOU define it!

Let your brain be your friend, but don’t live exclusively there!  Your beautiful brain interprets so many things for you, but it can get a little wild sometimes.  It’s not so great when it’s being its over-critical or over-analyzing self – UNLESS it’s saving you from walking down a dark alley or getting hit by a car! 

Encourage it to love you and support you, to do the things it was meant to do, like help you see, smell, hear, touch, and taste.  It is so, so smart in these ways, letting you taste the sweetness of life in food and drink or the sweaty forehead of a child…delight of the touch of a friend or a lover…relish the beauty of the sounds and sights of nature or a man-made movie…take in the scents of freshly baked bread or a bouquet of roses or glorious fresh air.

Remember, though, that it is your body that is sensing the raw data…the scent, the feel, the taste… 

Let your body be your best friend and your guide, because after all – you live this exciting and mysterious and happy and sad life through that wonderful, delightful, messy body of yours.  Treat it well, nourish it, and rest it.  Your body is the smartest part of you, and it can be great friends with your brain, allowing that brain to interpret your its messages, emotions you are feeling, and your soul’s essence – all of which guide you to live deeply and authentically in this world. 

Listen to your body wisdom, and what it has to say to guide you – and if you do not know how to do that…learn.  It will be the most valuable tool you ever acquire.

Have fun, love fully (especially yourself), follow your path, and relish your brilliance…

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Photo by hlkljgk