This is an image I had in an old soul book I made in my early 30’s when it felt that childhood was kicking my ass and always would. Adulthood seemed a mountain I didn’t know how to climb and as though I had way too many bags to carry.
It tooks years for me to BELIEVE that I’m safe and not just in my home or from violence, but to BELIEVE in my body, that I am safe – right now – not just on a break from danger or in between disasters.

Then, it got deeper and I realized I CAN …TOLERATE and even EMBRACE my sensitivity, sensibility, introversion or anything else. I can create a life based on my values, preferences, responsibilities and needs. I had been so good at toughing it out or enduring and yes – even fighting, raging and protesting. All important. But it took lots of time and practice (and always will) to remember that I’m empowered and can advocate on my own behalf.

And that really, adulthood, complex as it is, is a cake walk compared to childhood.
It always comes as a bit of a liberating surprise to remember this. But I do remember. And celebrate these younger selves as well as the wiser woman I’m becoming.