by Susan Liddy

If you could go back in time and meet 10-year-old you... what do you think you'd say to each other?

If you could again be 17 on the inside, how would that affect your outlook... the choices you make today?

We all have our own pathway. Despite what some may claim, our childhood experiences do shape who we become as adults. It's an interesting journey full of twists and turns. We learn, we grow, we step outside the lines... sometimes, maybe too much.

Many of us look back with regret, wishing we'd done things differently. Yet, if we spend too much time lamenting the "could haves and should haves," we tend to ignore what is. And this keeps us from moving forward.

What if you could look back and acknowledge the innocence and passion of your youth with wise and knowing eyes? All that you chose and the experiences you created hold hidden messages and meanings for you. Beneath the top layer of regret, there are treasures buried. This is the place where your strengths and your wisdom are born from.

Feel your feelings, yes. Then acknowledge your brilliance, courage and talent!

You are a gifted and empowered woman.
A brilliant mind.
A beautiful heart.
A spiritual and deep soul.

And yes, you get to create the life of your choosing.
All that you've experienced has brought you to where and who you are today!
What has your past taught you that can move you forward?

Reality Check

All those "younger you' s" who live inside you... who were rebellious, naïve, feisty, curious, artistic... They want to serve you now!

• Embrace and LOVE them!
• Listen to them.
• Feel them.
• Understand them.
• Don't put them down.
• Allow them to shine through you while YOU make the choices of an adult woman.

Make choices based upon who you are, what fulfills you and brings meaning into your life and the people in it. The same life energy runs through me that runs through you. You're on the verge of discovering how to tap into that energy and that "thing" that makes you YOU.

Fearless Integration

Play with different careers. Stay in awareness of the moments that feel passionate and purposeful for you. Find out what you were meant to do... maybe it's even a number of different things. Approach your job with the same, open-minded inquisitiveness you had when you were fresh out of school.

Open your heart to romance. Let yourself love and be loved... even if only for a fleeting moment. Invite someone in past that protective exterior, to meet the youthful spirit living inside... who yearns for affection, adventure, companionship and passion!

Explore new friendships; rekindle old ones. Give all of yourself, should that be your wish. Step out of your circle and welcome relationships with different kinds of people. Allow yourself to learn something from someone new. And take the risk to truly love and find out how lovable you truly are!

Take up an old forgotten pastime. Or, take the time to master a few new tricks! Write, paint, dance, kickbox, run, read, create. Volunteer. Do something because a friend invited you and you've always wanted to try. Or, do something that no one is doing... just because it's what you want to do.

Acknowledge and love yourself every step of the way.

Your gifts will all come together and one day you'll look back on your past and say "right on"! Just like I say "right on" to you now!

Aspire Life Coaching can empower you through fear, support you through roadblocks and/or teach you valuable lifestyle and life balance skills. Learn more on our coaching services page, then contact us or call (408) 835-9908 for more information.

©2007 Susan Liddy, AspireLifeCoaching.org, All rights reserved.

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