A Gentle Note : This letter is for those tender moments when you’re feeling triggered, shaken, or unsure. Let it meet you where you are.
Dear Friends,
This week something happened that really triggered me.
I had to speak up, say something hard, say something true, to my psychological nemesis: that older, authoritative male figure … someone of us all know too well.
You know the one. The voice that once towered over us. The one we learned to shrink from.
Even though I’m a grown woman now, even though I was speaking calmly and clearly, even though I was advocating for others, not even for myself, my whole nervous system lit up. I stood my ground, I sounded calm and my hands were steady, but inside, my little girl self was on high alert.
She didn’t like it. She never does.
But she’s not alone anymore. I know how to take care of her.
So I wrote her a little letter. It’s something that grounds me when my nervous system feels shaken or threatened, when the adult part of me is steady, but my inner child part is scared.
If you’re having one of those days too, maybe this will help.
Dear Little One,
I see you.
I know today felt scary. I know it reminded you of times when voices got loud or faces went cold, and you didn’t know what to do. You were small then. You did the best you could. You stayed quiet. You stayed kind. You stayed invisible, because it felt safer that way.
But I want you to know something: that was then.
Now, you have me. I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.
You don’t have to be brave alone anymore.
You don’t have to guess what mood someone’s in or try to be perfect to keep the peace. You are allowed to feel what you feel. You are allowed to be held. You are allowed to rest.
You’re safe with me. What happened today that’s mine to handle. It’s not your fight anymore. You can rest.
When the world feels too big, come sit beside me. I’ll hold your hand. I’ll remind you how far we’ve come. And I’ll walk with you, slowly and gently, until the fear passes and you can hear the quiet again.
Let your shoulders drop. Soften your jaw. You’re okay now. Just breathe my little love.
You’re just enough.
You’re just sensitive enough.
Your broken bits are healing.
This is not your fault. None of it was.
I’ll hold your hand.
I’ll give you a hug.
You’re safe here. I’m not going anywhere.
You’re special. You matter. You’ve always mattered.
And I love you for all of it.
With all my heart,
Me
If your inner child needs more gentle words today, you might also want to read: Daily Affirmations for Healing the Child Within and Reclaiming Your Power