For many years, the little girl in me stood in the way of my being better in the world. The hurt feelings and insecurities took up too much space and would tend to be front and center. My reactions were led by her and not by the rational adult that I was and was trying to continue to be.

It is a wonderful feeling to know the difference. To separate the two and by doing that, free myself of her traumas while also not abandoning her. I see her, I recognize her, I give her some room but I also remember to keep her in my past. To remind her that I am stronger and to let her know I am here when she needs to be heard but also, that I am the adult and decide when that time is. I can hug her, sympathize with her and keep her always as a part of me because she is, in fact, a part of me. But in a healthy, learning way, I can grow from her too.