After I posted this photo on my Facebook page today for what they call throwback Thursday, I wondered what I’d say to my 5-year old self today.

I’d first tell her I love her and how beautiful she is. How I can see that light in her heart shining so very brightly. I’d tell her to not ever let anyone dim that light.

Be you. Be brave. Be strong. Love you first and the rest will follow as it is meant to be.

Your heart will break, but know that when it does, joy will return again soon. You can’t experience one without the other.

I’d tell her that when boys tease you it’s because they like you (wish I had known that when a little boy named Mark would always pull my pigtails on the playground!).

I’d tell her life isn’t going to be fair, but that I’ll always have a choice about my attitude.

I’d tell her that wisdom will be shared with her through the great teachings of Dog.

I’d tell her she will feel odd and left out at times, but to stand tall in who she is. To own her authenticity. To never play small.

I’d tell her to always pay attention to what her heart is whispering and not let the loud noises of society drown out those whispers.

I’d tell her to always live from the inside, out.

I’d tell her she is safe and she is loved. And always will be.