“It is a universal truth that no matter how well one knows a scene, to observe it from above is something of a revelation. I stood by the railings and peered over, beyond the tree. The library — usually so vast and imposing — took on the appearance of a stage set. Ordinary items — the Steinway & Sons grand piano, the oak writing desk, Lord Ashbury’s globe — were suddenly rendered smaller, ersatz versions of themselves, and gave the impression of having been arranged to suit a cast of players, yet to make its entrance.”
Grace Bradley, (in The House at Riverton by Kate Morton)
Writing a letter to yourself is a little like observing your life from above. Nearly 250 of you wrote letters last week, climbed up on the ladder and looked back on your past, seeing it differently than you did when you were living down low inside it.
You told her to be brave.
You told him to write down everything he remembers about his Dad.
You told her to carry deodorant in her purse
You whispered that her mom will become her best friend.
You encouraged her not to hide behind other people’s words, write some of her own, and then go join the party.
You said to listen to that quiet girl on the bus.
You urged him to raise his hand even if he isn’t certain of the answer.
You promised that over time, people will tell her that her name is beautiful.
You told her to go ahead and take that chip off her shoulder.
You taught her about the shape of her curves and the shape of her soul.
You warned her never to let mom dye her hair.
I am learning so much from your words, the tenderness with which you speak them, the perspective you have to offer the younger generation. If you haven’t written a letter yet and linked it up, there is still time. I’ll leave the linky open through the rest of the week.
Thanks for leaving the linky up! I wrote and posted mine last Thursday, but my blog has been down since Friday. But even if I don’t get to link up, I have so enjoyed reading these letters. It’s been my favorite week of blog reading. Ever.
I needed to write this letter. Thanks so much:)
Kimberly´s last [type] ..Behind the scenes
Today is the day my little guy goes to preschool all-day so I can get a chuck on my freelance work done – instead I just keep reading and crying. I read so many letters this weekend, but they are all so good that I can’t stop.
shelley´s last [type] ..Dear Me… (A Linky for Graceful by Emily Freeman)
I love that quote from Kate Morton, she’s one of my favorite fiction authors. And I’ve enjoyed reading the letters around the blogosphere and your generosity in sharing some of them here is inspiring. I couldn’t bring myself to write one, those years had too much pain at home for me. But the letters brought back so many happy memories with friends. I read your sisters letter to my husband, he’s an INTJ.
Shelly Miller´s last [type] ..How Favoritism Fractures
Love that you are allowing a space for these amazing letters. Can’t wait to read some more and write my own to share. Since I now have a teenage daughter (and 2 more who will be teens this December) it seems pretty natural to write to my teenage self and them at the same time.
Kristin´s last [type] ..My New eBook for Moms Who Have Lost a Baby {or Child} Comes Out Today! {Plus Some Very Special Giveaways!}
I have really loved reading all of these beautiful letters. They have made me laugh and cry. I wrote my own letter, but found that I received more grace and healing out of reading the words of others to themselves. There is so much wisdom that I can apply to myself today. Thanks for this.
Just want to say thank you for giving us this opportunity Emily
Charina @ Pondered Thoughts´s last [type] ..{a letter to my younger self}
Emily – love the letters you have shared and this opportunity – I’m excited to read the book and share it with the girls we work with
Becca´s last [type] ..Dear Me – a letter to my 16-year-old self
I cannot even tell you how many convos this post has started. Random people at church came up to talk to me on Sunday and share their stories. Thanks again for YOUR words and for starting this project. (and for the link love:)
I missed the linky party… working on orders for the shop!!! …. but I wrote my letter anyway. Even though it won’t show up on the blog.
This exercise was timely. You did it again, miss.
xox
Joy Manoleros´s last [type] ..peppermint star