There is an idea that as we grow up, we must put away our toys. Our childish things. That we can not call ourselves adults unless we can move beyond them and present ourselves to the world to be invulnerable with a deep desire to always “win” no matter who we hurt or how hurt we become along the way.

I for one do not want to put my toys away and pretend that my childhood was just a passing memory. I wish to embrace others for their own vulnerabilities.I want to let them know even if they fail at something, there is room for forgiveness and that they can still be loved.

This too goes for ourselves. We all have this “little voice” in our heads that is quick to scold us when we fail. To call ourselves stupid, ugly, a loser, and all matter of terrible things. We inflict self-punishment out of some need for an authority figure to tell us how we are wrong. I’m here to tell you we simply can not allow this voice be the only one that guides us in life. We also need gentleness and kindness to have a voice. One who will tell us we can get through the hard times. To encourage us to try again. This idea of self-nurturing shouldn’t be something we put away in a shoebox and hide it from the rest of the “grown-ups” around us. For they too were once children and all children young and old need hope for a brighter tomorrow.