Little Jo
There's an exercise I've done a few times where you write a letter to your younger self. It’s not intended to change anything, but to say what you needed to hear at the time. I tried it again recently. I went back to second grade.
Dear Little Jo,
I see you, so small and unsure. You're in your new school in a new state. I remember how scary it was moving in March, so far into the school year. Friendships had already been made and not everyone was welcoming.
I want you to know you're safe. You're not alone. You will always have people who care about you. People who are a tight hug or a phone call away.
The most important thing I could tell you is that you will learn to love the things about yourself you used to wish were different. The places that hurt and the ways you felt you were unique will become your fuel for compassion. They'll teach you to notice other people's hurt too.
God gave you a tender heart and a busy brain. You will learn to harness both. To redirect your thoughts. To be intentional with your energy and to share it with the people who need it most.
You're safe, little Jo. We're going to do wonderful things.