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Natural Awakenings Atlanta

Lessons from My Younger Self

Feb 01, 2023 06:00AM ● By Linda Minnick
The house I lived in as a child sat at the end of the street and had a good-sized backyard that extended into a city park. For my 10 siblings and me, the line between our yard and the park blurred, and we claimed that adjacent part of the park as our own. It felt like our kingdom, and at least one of us occupied it every day. 

I spent a lot of time in that park. I’d ride my imaginary horse in circles, roll down the hill with my brothers or sisters, play on the swing set, lose my shoes in the sandbox or just sit braiding clover flowers together into a crown that I’d later wear as I watched over my realm. 

Or I’d spend hours conversing with my invisible friend about that mysterious place we called “the future.” 

I’ve often thought of that little girl as I’ve matured through the years, either longing for her innocence or chastising her for her naiveté. Now, I simply admire her for her wisdom. 

Many of my memories from those early years have faded, while some are still strong. I remember feeling safe and secure. I remember knowing my “friend” was always with me, so I was never alone, even if nobody else was around. And while I was curious about the future, I never feared it. I knew I was loved unconditionally, and I knew that everything was perfect just the way it was.

Unfortunately, after eventually leaving that home and the park, I temporarily forgot the life lessons I had learned and started ignoring the little voice inside me. Like many of us, I allowed my programming, other people, and situations to influence my beliefs and actions. I allowed myself to be brainwashed with the beliefs that life is hard, that I didn’t have what I needed to be successful and that I always needed to strive for more. Of course, those beliefs manifested themselves into a life I considered complicated and lacking. 

In the 1976 movie Network, the character Howard Beale reaches a frustration level so intense he screams, “I am mad as hell, and I am not going to take this anymore!” He then proceeds to throw a TV out of a window. The scene always comes to my mind when I think of the day I woke up and said, “Enough is enough.” (But I didn’t throw any televisions around!)

I had not been living a bad life. I had just reached a point where I had everything I was supposed to have, yet I wasn’t happy. I had a wonderful husband and family, a beautiful home and a very successful six-figure job. But I felt empty. 

I was looking around to find something to blame for the emptiness I felt inside when I realized I was just not living my life, at least not to the fullest. I spent more time following the external voices telling me what my life should look like than the inner voice that knew what my life should be.

From then on, I decided to start listening to and trusting my invisible voice, Spirit. It was a decision to embrace the lessons I learned as a little girl.

By following those lessons, I now live a life I know would make her proud. I accept that I am loved unconditionally, everything is perfect in its own right, I am never alone, and I should never fear the future. I wake up every day knowing that each day brings a new opportunity. I choose to bring my best to whatever I do, and I try to do it with love. 

My days are no longer complicated and lacking. I am now grateful for each day, no matter what it brings. I look forward to tomorrow because I know it will be a new adventure. 

And for this, I give thanks. ❧

Linda Minnick is a speaker, author, life coach and Preferred PSYCH-K® facilitator. She lives in Roswell with her husband, John. Her most recent book, New Day, New Life can be found on Amazon.
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