Selectively Juggling

I’d say “girl, believe in yourself, as you’re an incredibly strong, resilient and capable person!” I’d then follow it up with “be careful who you trust, remember salt and sugar look the same, just like how narcissistic abusers can fool people with their flashy smiles and fake warmth”. I would also say “study, play and embrace life with an attitude of gratitude, and through the lens of mindfulness”. I would also counsel my teenage self by saying “it’s important to understand indoctrination and unlearning, so you have your own worldview”. Finally I’d say “keep writing and doing photography, believe in your craft and its potential to positively influence and move others”. Oh, and the final final thing I’d say is “you’re beautiful as you are, just like all humanity – you are perfectly imperfect”. Okay, the final final final thing would be “honour your intuition, live with compassion and empathy and always strive to help lift others up – but at the end of the day also embrace self-love and self-compassion, build healthy boundaries and never accept being a narcissist’s emotional fodder – you’re worth so much more- now go shine and find your own voice”

I’d have a twinkle in my eye, wink at my younger self and say “hey lovely, you do know you’ve got this, hey? You’ve got the ability to be anything you want to be in life – just learn to embrace your own unique quirks and not compare yourself to how you perceive others to be/ not everything and everyone is as it seems”

Oh, as a post-note I’d definitely have to let myself know about learning to not judge others, have realistic expectations (of self and others) and fully embrace my/her/our sensibilities and sensitivities, as our mind and spirit/energy is wonderfully rich, diverse and multi-nuanced.

And another post-script note would “hey you don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to! Sometimes just flying under the radar and living vicariously is the safest option” … oh and “don’t ever dumb yourself down, you were born with a glorious mind and brain, use it” and finally “we all bleed red blood, everyone has their own struggle, learn to love and accept (and respect/cherish) differences, but don’t ever accept hate from racists, misogynists, ableists, classists, homophobic people etc.… stand up and fight for social justice and human rights/ vulnerable people matter!”