I was upset last week as emotions came to a head about certain people not valuing me and showing me love in the way I wanted to receive it. Instead of brooding about it I took it to my altar to meditate and pray. My inner child was crying out to hear it—“I love you.” She’s been pining for that display of affection throughout my 27 years of life from my mother—a strong and stoic woman who I always wanted to get through to. I wanted her to see me, hold me, tell me I was pretty, tell me she loves me. I always got the attention from my dad but from her it felt like a constant battle to feel validated in the eyes of the woman that carried me in her womb and birthed me into this world that I’m sometimes frustrated to be in. I put her through 36 hours of labor and jokingly claim that my spirit resisted incarnating into this plane, unlike my brother who entered the world with such ease. My nanny, who I connect with in spirit, has been telling me to not be so hard on my mother, to know that she did her best. I’ve been coming to terms with this over the past year. “Say it [I love you] to yourself more often,” my ancestors advised. “Say it to yourself.” Through my tears, I allowed the words to rise from my heart and through my lips shaken by the sound of my own voice proclaiming love for myself. The words started off as a scratchy record until it eased into a melodic song. “I love you. I love you. I love you.” I could feel my ancestors smiling upon me, holding me, taking pride in me—things that matter to me. I am learning, day by day, that I matter and as much as I may want that validation from people outside of me, I must first recognize myself. To my inner child, I love you, sweet girl. To my insecure inner teenager, you have always been enough. To the woman I am today, I see you, Queen. 📷: @_callmecash 🐅 • • • #themysticmodel #reflection #writersofinstagram #writers #writerscommunity #spiritualawakening #selflove #innerchildwork #innerchild #breakthrough #healing #goddess #divinefeminine #mommyissues #love #blackgirlmagic #blackgirlmagick #witchy #witchesofcolor #witchesofinstagram #shareyourstory #life #ancestors https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAa68TAzd4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1srod8c9ixbh