About two years ago I wrote about how I discovered something called a self compassionate letter and wrote one to myself. In that post, I described it this way:
“It’s a letter that you write to yourself showing yourself compassion in the same way you would a loved one. We tend to be very hard on ourselves when it comes to things we are not confident about or things we fail at. Some of the things we say to ourselves we would never say to someone else. The idea is to allow yourself to accept yourself unconditionally, something many of us struggle with. It’s also a way to make you feel better about whatever it is that you’re struggling with. So in this letter you’d basically be telling yourself it’s okay to struggle with what you’re struggling with. You’ll be telling yourself it’s okay not to be perfect and to be insecure about some things. It will help you to see the problem from a different perspective. At least that’s what it did for me.”
I recently got contacted by Nonduduzo Dube, who read it and wrote one to herself. She’s been kind enough to share it with us. Below is her letter, I hope it encourages you to write your own.
My dearest Nondue,
Before l start allow me to tell you this – you are so kind Zazae, you have a very clean and honest heart: my very own Sanguine, and that’s one of your greatest strengths ever. I love how you carry yourself after every set back. You are so lovely, you know how to lighten up the room and make everyone smile. There is never a dull moment with you, you forgive easily, love making bonds and seeing the best in everyone. In your world you believe everyone can be saved and you go to the deepest lengths to try and assist an individual. And for that l have to commend you.
One important thing, you are so beautiful baby, its high time you start believing that. Let go of the past and live your life to the fullest. Your childhood might have been traumatic but like the solider you are, you have to brace yourself and move on. You have to believe and forgive yourself and those involved. You were young and they took advantage of that. You were such a blossoming flower and they deflowered you at a tender age. However, don’t let that define you, don’t let it be a stumbling block to your bright future, you are destined for greater things my angel. In as much as it is hard, believe it and live it. You have been given another opportunity, take it with both hands and strive forward.
You are mother of comfort, its high time you take on that role. Be who you were meant to be when God created you in his image, when your parents first held you in their arms, and sure they saw someone great, so be that person. Follow your dreams, heart and desires and most importantly forgive yourself. Live in the moment, you are still young. Be great. And be big. We all love you Nondue. God loves you, your dad adored you and at times l wish he was here so as to see it in his eyes that he indeed loved you. Your mom loves you too and don’t ever doubt that. And above all, l love you Zazae, you are worth all the love and respect…
My beautiful angel.
