
In this daily post prompt, we are asked to grab a photo album and write a story about the first picture we see of ourselves. In my photo album on my computer, this is the first photo I saw.
Taken on the balcony of the Hale Koa hotel in Honolulu, we were so excited to be stationed in Hawaii! We couldn’t wait to explore paradise. With our then-5 month old baby boy, I had no idea what three years on an island in the pacific would mean for my family, my marriage, or for me.
I remember thinking at the time, “Hmm, I’ve lost a bit of weight, I’m on the right diet.” Now when I look at this picture, I see a bad hair ‘do (Christmas Tree cut, anyone?!), a tired mom, anticipation of opportunities, and more.
What I want to do is take this girl by the shoulders and shake her. I want her to discover how good it feels to eat healthfully and MOVE! I want her to not shy away from the camera. I want to tell her to stop wearing black in 80 degree heat!
I want her to start writing and never stop.
I want to tell her it’s okay to say goodbye.
I want to tell her to be open to new things, to be open to new people.
To try new things, even if failure is a possibility. Don’t always take the safe road.
That when she feels scared, it’s okay to sit in the fear, feel it for what it is, but then never to let it immobilize her.
There are many things I want to tell her. But she’ll soon discover it all for herself.
“All great achievements require time.” -Maya Angelou