It is truly a pleasure to lead groups of women through a Life Plan Intensive; helping them to assess the season of life they are presently in and help them to move forward toward the life they truly desire.

In a recent event I asked the women in attendance to take 20 minutes to write a letter to their younger selves; how would they advise her? What council would they give their younger selves? What regrets would be expressed? What hopes? What celebrations? Certainly a daunting task.

The room got serious, very still as precious women took pen to paper. I could sense a myriad of different emotions being expressed as woman wrote feverishly throughout the room.

It was so meaningful as women began to share some of their personal thoughts with the other women in the room. I saw heads nodding in agreement as women verbalized their thoughts and regrets for their younger selves.

After a needed break, these same women began to write a letter to their 90-year-old selves. What could they share with her? What could they promise her? What would her legacy be? Almost immediately the atmosphere in the room lifted; I felt hope in the room; I could hear pockets of laughter.

I have been thinking a lot about this exercise lately. Writing a letter to our younger selves holds the potential of a quality assessment of the life we’ve lived. We learn a great deal about life from the many ups and downs we have all experienced. What if that experience empowers you to feel a fresh sense of hope as you enter into this fresh season of your life. Such important thoughts to capture.

Whether you are 20, 40, or 90 we are always learning and growing and there is always hope!

Let me challenge you! Take 90 minutes and write a letter to your 20-year-old self. Pay close attention to the thoughts and emotions that arise within you. Let yourself take notes on lessons learned. Then turn and write a letter to your classy 90-year-old self, tell her what you want the years ahead to look like. Make that wonderful lady some fresh promises and move forward in great hope.

 

May you come away even more kindness towards yourself;  love the woman you are today.