You Are a Warrior

Words to banish self-loathing and shame.

This is a post that I originally posted on my Facebook page a couple of years ago. The message is timeless.

I came across this photo of me from 1991. Despite the fact that it was more than 30 years ago, I can still feel the shame and self-loathing I had for myself as a 20-year-old single mother trying to find her way in the world.

Two large logs are strewn together and extend into the waters of Ross Lake in the North Cascades Wilderness Area. Twenty-year-old Michele stands with one foot on each log next to her Alaskan Malamute dog, Nitro. Michele is wearing a red and blue hiking vest with many pockets over her flannel shirt. She looks to the right and Nitro looks to the left, showing each of their profiles, as the water ripples around them and the mountains fade into the background. Photo credit to Alexandria Texmo .

I recently at down to write some words to the old me of the past. Guess what? These words are for you, too.

Stand tall, young one. You are a survivor.
Determined.
Unshakeable.
Steadfast.
You deserve defending.

Rise up, tough one. You are a warrior.
Dynamic.
Powerful.
Savage.
This battle is yours to win.

Look in the mirror, dear one. You are a beauty.
Radiant.
Dazzling.
Gorgeous.
It's time to believe in your magnificence.

Listen now, sweet one. You are a treasure.
Valuable.
Extraordinary.
Priceless.
It's not too late to know your worth.

Friends and readers: as you face the difficulties in your day, or beat yourself up for your things you’ve done or choices you’ve made, please be reminded that you are amazing. Just as you are. Where you are. No matter where you’ve been. I mean it.