Many years ago I discovered a photo that made my heart smile. My mom or dad had taken it at the very moment I discovered a new rocking horse on Christmas morning. I was not yet three years old and if you saw the photo you would agree that this little girl was in a state of absolute joy. Years passed and I forgot about the photo and, if I am truly honest with myself, I must admit that I also forgot about that joyful girl I once was.
Then, about ten years ago I remembered that photo and the next time I visited my parents house I sat on the floor outside the small linen closet in the hallway and went through a pile of old photographs of my brother, parents, grandmothers, aunts, uncles and cousins. Finally, I saw her – the girl in the stripped pajamas – and studied every detail. I placed the photo on the floor beside me, replaced the many other photos in the closet, and went to show my parents. The next week I had a copy made and framed it, looking at it from time to time. One day a few years later I picked it up and felt very, very sad. What had happened to that girl? Where was that sheer joy? Why didn’t I feel it in that moment…or ever? I realized that more than anything I wanted to be that “me” again.
It has been a challenging and fascinating journey, sometimes exhilarating and sometimes painful. And while I may not yet have arrived, I am so much closer than I have been at any time since I was that child in red and white striped pajamas. The term “journey” is over-used but I do not know a better way to describe my search for me. It was and is a journey of self-discovery, of self-appreciation and, ultimately, of self-love.
If you have been drawn to this website, you can make it better and more relevant. Women love to share and to help each other. I am not an expert in human behavior or psychology or new age anything, but I love learning, exploring, sharing and evolving into to the most joyful me possible. If you have found this website, I am sure that you have something to offer other women on their journey. Please share it with us!