So often, women confide in me that they found it easy to stay sober when they were pregnant because they did it for the love of their growing baby. But when they’re no longer pregnant, they struggle to muster that same love for themselves.
That’s deeply unsettling when we stop to think about it, huh?
Have you ever looked at a photo of yourself at age three or four? If it’s been a while, go take a peek. Pull out a photo and look deeply into the eyes of that young child. Think about the hopes and dreams that existed behind those tiny eyes.
How would you speak to that child every day? How would you protect, love and care for them? What kinds of hard decisions would you make on their behalf in order to ensure their long-term wellbeing?
What would you model for them about practicing self-kindness, and treating and speaking to themselves with love and compassion?
What advice would you give them about not abandoning or betraying themselves in a misguided attempt to please others?
What kind of life and happiness would you ultimately want for them?
The truth is, that child still lives within you. That child still craves the same love, security, and safety.
The best part is, now that you’re an adult, you have the complete power to give it to them. ❤️
{P.S. We dive into this in deliciously more detail in Chapter 18 of Chameleon ????}
