#14: Conversations with my younger self š
This week, we're having a mild identity crisis. Also, an aesthetic that represents where I wish I was right now and some easy three-ingredient cocktails for your weekend festivities.
Iām fascinated by the concept of inner child work. This form of therapy helps you deal with past pain and trauma by āreparentingā your younger self. You talk to your younger self and teach her the lessons she didnāt know then.
Sometimes, I imagine what it would be like to talk to myself at seven years old. When I close my eyes and picture it, Little Me is wearing a hot pink dress and has wildly curly brown hair. Sheās wearing socks with little beads on the ankle that clack around when she runs. Her sneakers are pink, too.
Little Me is confident and curious and pretty sure she knows whatās up. Thatās a fatal flaw of mine; I tend to think that my knowledge is capped, that Iāve learned all I need to learn to form an opinion with authority.
But then I imagine talking to the younger version of myself, and I donāt know what to say. I want to impart wisdom, but Little Me is seven. What could I say that she could understand? I can't tell a seven-year-old girl to get into therapy earlier or be more vulnerable with her friends.
I donāt think I would impart any wisdom at all. Instead, I would pull out an old bin of Barbie dolls, maybe some coloring sheets, too. Iād sit on the floor with her and play. Iād let her be creative and colorful and vibrant.
And as I do, maybe Iād remember that itās not actually two people in a room. I am her and she is me.
We are every version of ourselves all at the same time. Everything weāve done, said, thought, created, and more are stored in our bodies and brains. We're wild combinations of our pasts and presents. Can you even imagine what it would be like to have every version of yourself in one room? The space would have to be endless.
DOāS and DONāTS:
DO: Hang fresh eucalyptus in your shower.
DONāT: Throw your used candle in the trash. Freeze the wax so it pops out easily, then recycle the jar.
DO: Sleep with your phone across the room. I promise your Slack notifications can wait until morning.
DONāT: Overestimate the power of floor time. Laying on the floor is like free therapy, especially after a good workout.
DO: Schedule that appointment youāve been putting off. I got three cavities filled last week because I put off going to the dentist. It SUCKED. Learn from my mistakes.
DONāT: Stay inside all weekend. A taste of fresh air every once in a while can do a little good.
āRequiredā reading:
The most beautiful small towns in Europe (CN Traveler)
15 easy cocktails with no more than 3 ingredients (Camille Styles)
This is the book recommendation tool I didnāt know I needed (Literature Map)
90 journal prompts for when youāre in a rut (The Everygirl)
Hereās how Bridgerton is destigmatizing cleavage (Bustle)
This weekās aesthetic: seaside
The heroine recommends: Trader Joeās Italian soda
I grabbed two bottles of Italian soda (grapefruit and blood orange) on a whim this week during my regular Trader Joeās run. I had low expectations, but that sh*t is delicious. I pour about a cup into a rocks glass with a few ice cubes for a fancy-ish drink thatās ridiculously simple.
Pick up a bottle (or two) at your local Trader Joeās.
Click here to submit a recommendation!
Promo corner:
On the podcast: Austen Tosone spills everything she wishes you knew about influencing
A parting thought:
Letās be kind to ourselves today. Weāve all come so far.
xx, Annie