As I prepared to write this post, I asked myself, “why is acknowledgment important?”. Immediately, I thought I want to acknowledge the little girl within -my inner child because being recognized feels good. As well as, the internal appreciation that comes from the words “I see you”, or “you got this.” Acknowledgment equates too many things. Today, it’s a celebration of my inner child. 

With that, I remember when I was five years old and in kindergarten. I was scared. I had to leave my mom. To be with people, I didn’t know. Unaware of what to expect. Instantaneously, the memory that stood out to me was walking into that classroom. Excitement about the new outfit. Getting in the car. Arrived at my destination. Exiting the car. Walking to the door with my mom. Dropping me off to class. She leaves. I didn’t cry, but I wondered what I do now? Also, fear of the unknown. 

Despite the necessity of starting school, I’d share with my inner child that fear is lifelong. That said, each year, month, day, or minute of the unknown brings a twinge of fear. However, it is what you do with fear that counts. Don’t let it paralyze you:

• Walk into the class
• Sit in your seat
• Assess the surroundings

I tell my younger self to embrace it. 

Grip the growth that comes. You are about to learn something new. Potentially discover new toys for the Christmas list. 

Back then, in kindergarten, playing was the curriculum—the opportunity to socialize. Make friends. However, just for a second, I wondered if I’d fit in or not. Pondering if a classmate will share a toy or ask if I want to play with them. Today, I would explain to my inner child that her uniqueness is a powerful thing. Learn to accept it. Appreciate it. Acknowledge it.

Indeed, I’d express to my inner child that individuality is powerful. In addition, owning her individuality sets the stage to write her own story. A story so specific to her that no one can take it away. I’d say it is okay to acknowledge originality every day. Then remind her to invite people to part of her story, but don’t change it unless it’s her decision. Even more, emphasize the importance of: 

• Not running from uniqueness to make someone else comfortable
• Not avoiding individuality as it leads to negative self-talk resulting in not acknowledging emotions that are meant to be articulated
• Not to nip and tuck originality as it results in losing pieces of herself that are important. Worth cultivating. Don’t be afraid to evolve
• To remember that she is enough. Beautiful in every way
• To pack some joy away to share so someone else can benefit from knowing they aren’t alone



Hopefully, offering these bits of advice set the stage pull from her mental victory vibes bank on good and bad days. However, it won’t be the days that matter; instead, the goal to accept herself and remain motivated to keep going. 

Meanwhile, my response is I am grateful to recognize the importance my advice. It helps to continue to evolve. And that I am grateful to be able share the joy of acknowledging ME.