I met her today. She has strawberry blonde hair that falls in loose waves down the middle of her back, blue eyes, and a sprinkle of freckles across her nose. She loves nature, art, and the color red. When running freely across the wide-open fields, she exudes great joy. She dances. She picks flowers and makes daisy chains to hang around her neck. Her child-like innocence wraps itself around squirming puppies with reckless abandon.
At one time, I knew her well. We met again, today, at the art studio. She is 6 years old and her name is Kristin . She is my inner child, a child of God. In the seriousness of life, she was left behind a while back and is now begging to come out and play with me. “Dance with me!” she calls, arms outstretched, open wide, ready to receive all that is hers to claim. She giggles and twirls, inviting me to join her on this adventure. This adventure called freedom. Freedom from worry. Freedom from guilt. Freedom to be the person that God has created her to be.
Recently, I made the committment to spend the next two months claiming this freedom with the guidance and support of mentor/creative coach, Amy. At first glance, it would seem that I entered into this relationship by accident, stumbling into a free parenting workshop offered by Amy at her art studio several months ago; however, after spending two hours with fifteen other women blissfully cutting out words and photos, collaging what speaks to my heart, I couldn’t stop there. It was just the beginning. The beginning of a renewed friendship with my 6-year old, inner child. The yearning to share my authentic self with my family and friends with more consistency and in increasingly tangible ways. And, in reuniting with this 6-year old who lives inside me, I dare to share our journey together in the hopes that I just might be able to pass along some joy to you. I humbly invite each of you to join me on this adventure in the coming months. Won’t you dance with me?
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March 3, 2012 at 12:54 am
Moonyeen Rideout
That little 6 year-old girl is familiar to me — joy, singing, dancing,
spontaneous. She is a joy to me now as a wife, mother and especially as our daughter. We love you! Mom
March 3, 2012 at 1:04 am
Ellen Blankenship Fleming
You bet! Already dancing… well, sort of. You’ve heard of making a joyful noise. Moving in joyful saunter???
March 3, 2012 at 5:07 am
Beth Clark
I know this little girl…and I remember this pic and memory of you so well…one of my favorites!! This little girl also reminds me of another precious little six year old I know well..Miss Emma!
I would like to dance with you too! Love you, Beth
March 8, 2012 at 2:44 am
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