As my 40th birthday approaches, the appreciation for certain things have changed. For a lot of things, actually. I can’t help but feel nostalgic. I sometimes wish I could do several of my years over again. So…here’s a letter to my younger self. If you can take anything away from this, that’s winning in my book.
Self-
You are much too hard on yourself. I see you loathing your body. Restricting, counting, obsessing. Those beautiful stretch marks over your tummy aren’t meant to make you feel shame and steal your joy. Those are reminders of your gifts. A right of passage into motherhood. Life is so much better when you can love yourself as you are right now. Don’t let the shame keep you from doing things your heart longs to do. Go to the beach. Call and make plans with your friends and family. Accept invitations. Do the damn thing.
Motherhood will be challenging.
Be gentle with yourself. Perfection is not possible but progress is. Some days you will not get dressed. There will be nights when all you can muster for dinner is cold cereal. Some days you will get upset with the kids and raise your voice. You may even raise your voice loudly for the plant getting knocked over and soil getting all over the light grey carpet after repeated requests to please stop horsing around. There will be times when you feel like an utter failure as a mother. Parts of your heart are running around outside of you. They will take risks and make choices that freak you the fuck out because you didn’t raise them to do that. You have to let them be their own people. You can’t control everything. Give them the best loving guidance that you can.
Everything is going to be ok.
It’s ok to take a mental health day.
Be present.
Practice patience.
Don’t worry about the past or future.
Have faith.
It always works out.
Take all the naps possible.
Go to the concert.
Save your money.
Always follow your heart and speak your truth. It will save you time and heartache.
It’s none of your business what others think of you.
Collect memories, not things.
Be sure to be in photos with your loved ones.
Start your skin care routine now.
Don’t cut your hair.
I’m so sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.
I love you.
Christine Roberts is a boudoir and portrait photographer based out of Mount Pleasant, TX. She serves the greater east Texas area including, but not limited to Mount Vernon, Sulphur Springs, Greenville, Rockwall, DFW, Texarkana, Tyler and Longview areas. She is also available for travel.
