A few weeks ago my mother came over to my apartment, she was helping me adjust and move some things around. When life gets a bit chaotic for me I tend to shift my environment to gain new perspective and redirect my emotional/ mental state. As we are doing this she sees a picture I keep on my fridge of me from when I was 9 years old. I tell her the reason why I I have this image of myself there, It’s a reminder of that younger version of me that still lives within. That every choice I’ve made so far in life has been to make her proud. My mother got emotional she hugged me this made her feel emotional. She brought up a specific time where I had a birthday party when I was younger and not one person showed up. This would be a metaphoric theme in my life growing up, but that specific memory doesn’t hold a deep impact on me. Growing up I wasn’t very popular and I didn’t have many friends. I never fit in with the other kids, which now I’m thankful for. I was a tough kid who faced a lot of challenges she was far too young to handle. It would leave me struggling with my confidence for many many years into my adult life. As my mother and I stood in my living room in embracing with tears coming down our faces. It was almost unspoken as she knows more than I do what it’s taken to get me to the person I am today. To be honest I never even imagined life in my 30’s I didn’t think I’d make it that far. I’ve fallen more times than I can count, but I’ve picked myself up each and every time no matter how painful the situation had been. A birthday is yes of course just another day but so many memories/ thoughts/ reflections are made and happen during this time each year. Whether good or bad it’s important to know that no one loves you more in this world than the child that lives within you. The one who stayed up late at night dreaming of all the things they wanted to do in life. Happy Birthday to the younger me, I celebrate you always with each and every step I take in this life, you are my foundation in the person I am and who I think back to often. I love you and let’s welcome Chapter 38 with an open heart and mind 🤍🎂 #birthdayreflections #chapter38 #sheisme #iamher