A Promise Made
Reyna Beckler • Feb 20, 2024

As I gaze upon a photograph of my 5-year-old self, I'm struck by the image of a little girl radiating a pure, unburdened joy. Her smile, wide and carefree, speaks of a time when the world was simple, kind, and full of wonder. She stands there, a symbol of innocence, unaware of the complexities and darkness that life can hold. Through my older eyes, this image evokes a profound emotional response—a mixture of tenderness and sorrow for the innocence that was gradually dimmed by the years.

This sense of loss is palpable, stirring a deep desire within me to reach back through time. I long to embrace her, to offer the comfort and assurance she will need as she navigates the challenges ahead. I yearn to tell her not to fear the shadows, to remind her of the love that surrounds her, and to encourage her strength and resilience. I want her to know she is perfect in her being, deserving of every opportunity, every joy, and every bit of kindness the world has to offer. Above all, I wish to instill in her the courage to stand tall, to hold fast to her worth, and to assert her right to respect and happiness.

a young girl in a white shirt and shorts is laughing .

The tears that well up in my eyes are a testament to the journey from that moment captured in the photograph to the person I am today. They are tears for the journey of learning and unlearning, of healing wounds and discovering strength. That little girl, so distant yet so integral to my being, seems like a stranger at times, yet she is the foundation of all I have become.


To heal the hurt that brings these tears, I've learned the importance of self-compassion and understanding. Healing begins with acknowledging the pain and the paths we've taken to protect ourselves. It involves revisiting those moments of vulnerability with kindness, offering ourselves the comfort and assurance we needed then and need now.


Practicing mindfulness and self-care, creating spaces for reflection and expression, and seeking support from loved ones or professionals are steps towards healing. Embracing creative outlets provides a voice to the silenced parts of our being, allowing us to process and articulate our experiences in ways that resonate with our soul.


Most importantly, I've learned the power of rewriting my narrative—not to change the past, but to shape the meaning it holds for me today. This involves recognizing the strength in my story, the resilience it has fostered, and the wisdom I've gained. It's about seeing that little girl not as lost, but as the beginning of who I am now—a person stronger, wiser, and still deserving of all the beauty and kindness in the world.


As I continue to heal, I make a promise to that little girl in the photo, and to myself, to honor our journey, to protect our light, and to never forget that we are worthy of love, respect, and happiness. This healing path is not just about mending the past; it's about embracing the present and looking towards the future with hope, courage, and an unbreakable sense of self-worth.


Whether you're navigating through a period of transition, looking to enhance your emotional intelligence, or seeking to develop a stronger sense of self, "Pathways to Growth" provides the tools and support needed to embark on a fulfilling path of self-improvement and profound personal growth.

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