Here I am, standing at the doorway between two decades.
With a nostalgic gaze and reverence, I look back at the rebellious, adventurous, curious, girl I once was.
With a hopeful heart, I gaze forward towards the beautiful woman I am yet to meet. She seems confident and at peace. Light emanates from her face.
Here I am, in between both, thinking that some of my best days and probably other of my worst ones haven’t happened yet.
To the Woman I once was
I look at you in awe.
Thank you for all you’ve done, all experiences you’ve embarked on and all the risks you’ve taken.
If I could speak to you, I would tell you that everything will be more than alright.
All these adventures around the world will serve their purpose.
To the burnt out little girl, I see you.
I’m sorry you’ve overworked yourself to the point of exhaustion.
All your emotions are valid.
It’s ok if you don’t know how to solve that problem.
Your work is enough.
You will get that promotion, the grades and the pay rise.
It won’t make you happy.
You will leave your job.
You will go to university again.
You will rediscover your creative side.
You will have the experiences you are craving.
You will feel like you are on top of the world.
To the broken hearted woman,
I am here for you.
I’m sorry you’ve felt abandoned and abused.
You don’t have to save your friends or partners. They are not your children.
You are right to get angry.
It’s not ok to be ghosted.
What you think you know is real.
You will feel more lonely in a room full of people.
You will feel accompanied when alone in bed.
Other people’s behavior is a reflection of them.
Other people’s behavior is a mirror of what you are attracting.
To the bullied teenager who’s fought her body for so long,
I hear you.
The number on the scale doesn’t matter.
Losing weight is not the end goal.
It will not make you happy.
Yes, you will gain weight.
No, it won’t make you less attractive.
It’s ok to find comfort in food.
It’s ok to have cravings.
It’s ok to smoke.
Sex is not a sin.
It’s ok to question the ways of the world. It’s ok to feel down.
The cravings will stop. You will quit smoking.
You won’t need the substances anymore.
Living in flow means integrating all aspects of you.
You will be met where you meet yourself.
So Take space. Reflect. Pray.
Rest. Repent. Forgive.
Be kind. Be Gentle.
Carry less. Consume less.
Give more.
There, God will meet you and tell you:
You are beautiful.
You are enough.
You are not invincible.
You are never alone.
To the Woman I am Now
I am so proud of you.
You’ve come such a long way.
Your dreams continue to unfold.
Loneliness doesn’t scare you. Nor does anger or sadness.
You don’t feel guilty or ashamed of your past.
You are secure in yourself.
Your heart is open.
You are close to Jesus.
Light emanates from your face.
You pray.
You give thanks.
You repent.
You forgive.
You move through the world with peace.
You are driven by kindness, light, love, compassion.
Thank you for turning to your family.
Thank you for nurturing your relationships in blood and humanity.
Thank you for choosing to be soft when you can be tough.
Thank you for having the courage to speak your truth.
Thank you for choosing the way of grace.
Thank you for turning to the Lord.
The Woman I am yet to be
To the lady I am gazing at.
I can’t wait to meet you.
I can’t wait to spend time with you.
I’m so looking forward to the wisdom, confidence, peace and ambition I will share with you.
I can’t wait to grow old with you.
I hope you have come to peace with all that has troubled you.
I hope you continue to stand up every time you fall down.
I hope you are still leading with kindness.
I hope you are realizing your heart’s deepest desires.
I hope you find your people.
I hope your heart is fulfilled and your soul is at rest.
I hope you continue to look up.
I hope your eyes are focused on the kingdom of heaven.
May your days be filled with light.
May Jesus never leave your side.
May you inspire the world.
May you always be generous towards your neighbors.
I promise to always hold you with love.
I promise to be gentle, generous and kind to all versions of you.
All of you will always be welcome.
With Love and Light,
Your Gaëlle
