So sick of this.

[Attilatheblond]

2. Someone once told me to be AT LEAST as kind & gentle with yourself as you are with people you care about.

And a teacher told us, well, assigned us would be more accurate, to find a photo of ourselves as a baby or young child, put it in a nice frame, and place it where we would see it often during the day. We were advised to try and make friends with that child, to show it love and understanding, because, just a very young child after all.

Thought it a silly exercise, but did it. I would tell my very young self that, though things were rough and the young child was too often just sort of shuffled off to other relatives, it was no fault of her own, it was others who failed her. But she grew strong and smart and would always take care of that child. It sorta worked.

Teacher also advised us to 'listen to that young child, the child has things to teach you, remind you, share excitement of learning with you'.

It really sounded almost insane to us all, but I did the 'assignment'. That was in 1992, and damned if the exercise didn't help me climb out of a life threatening depression. That old photo still hangs in my bedroom and when I still have spells of depression, she reminds me of the sweet child I need to take care of. Along with cognitive therapy, reading, and trying new things now and then, life came back, my best life actually. Have had a good run since then. Losing my husband set me back, but the little girl in the photo reminds me I can learn and grow, and have good days again now and then.

I truly hope you take the hand of the wee person you used to be, befriend that innocent, deserving child, and go on to grow with him/her, have adventures now and the. Remember joy, just simple joy. I hope the light comes back on for you, but know it is a hard, slow journey sometimes.

I care about you.