Writing has not come as easily lately. 

Go figure, right? I open up this platform I’ve been thinking about and then I can’t write. 

Lately, I’ve thought a lot about what I want to say and what I should not say. As humans, we typically thrive in an environment of structure & rules. Out of the box thinking feels a little dangerous and risky. For 10 years, I’ve been writing within a rubric structure with a due date. I don’t have those restrictions anymore and it feels a little…spacey.

My daughter transitioned into middle school last week. It’s an exciting change, but change, nonetheless. 

I wrote her a letter, even though I didn’t give it to her yet. I’m sharing that with you today. 

Sienna,

I remember, very clearly, my first day of sixth grade. To imagine my child doing the same, felt like a warm hug, but also a cold and bitter winter night. I feel security but I notice uncertainty; a balance we seek naturally. The impulse to protect you from this unfamiliar territory and bursting with pride when you do it without my help. 

We often talk about that space between your emotion and the behavior which follows. A fleeting space where the opportunity to pause and lean into whatever comes up feels like a damp, dark basement and running back to comfort feels instinctive. I hope you continue to explore that space, acknowledging your emotion as valid and your reaction as a choice. May you always remember that you are in control. 

You’re an empath, just like your momma. You are drawn to those in need and you hold space for them. It’s one of my most favorite things about you. Your heart has not been hardened by things outside of your control. 

If someone projects their own frustrations onto you, I hope you pause in that space to validate your emotions. And I hope you choose kindness over anger. Peace over chaos.

Remember to give yourself grace and space to grow. 

Get comfortable navigating the uncomfortable.

Challenge ideas that do not make sense. 

Be kind. Stand up for what is right. 

And when all of that seems too overwhelming, call your momma.