If you could write a letter to the child you were and give some nuggets of wisdom, what would you say? Here\’s my letter. It\’s helped me tune into some insecurities and fears that have been hanging on for years. Getting in touch with these is the first step to letting them go.

Advice to the Little Girl Who Would Be Me
———-

Dear Little Karen —

I am writing you from years in the future to let you know that I think of you often. I\’m in my fifties now. Yes, honey, that\’s a REALLY big number! And you are a special little girl with sparkling eyes and the infectious smile you\’re already known for. Remember to turn that smile inwards to yourself–don\’t just save it for others.

As you grow older, people will sometimes think that your smile means you\’re happy all the time. See – you\’re not the kind of person who wears your problems on the outside for everyone to see. So if something\’s troubling you, share your thoughts. There will always be wonderful people who love and care for you. They will be there to help if you just ask.

Because you\’re the oldest child, you will be an over-achiever for much of your life. Get ready for it! When you get past 50 years old, though, you\’ll realize that you can be who you want to be — not the person others expect you to show up as. I know you don\’t understand what all this means yet. Trust me – it\’s better than those Orange creamsicles you like from the Good Humor man.

Celebrate the good times you\’ll have in life. I\’ll be waiting ahead to hold the memories for you. And for the times when you\’re afraid, well I\’ve got something to help with that. I\’m going to write it down for you because it\’s really important:

F alse
E vidence
A ppearing
R eal

What this means is that sometimes things seem scary – but just in our imagination. So change your perspective – that\’s how you think and feel about something and you can push the fear away.

There are good ways to use your imagination. As you grow up, you\’ll sometimes forget to use this gift. But the changes you go through in midlife will set your imagination on fire in a way that allows you to see the magic in life again — just as you see it now.

I\’m going to end this letter for now because it\’s getting close to your bedtime. Yes — of course you can have the night-light on. Enjoy life little one and know that I\’m so glad you are the little girl who would be me.

Loving You is Loving Me,

Karen After 50

Karen Batchelor life coach, speaker, author and authority on how to have an amazing life after 50

Karen Batchelor is a certified life coach and proud midlife crisis survivor who provides inspiration, encouragement and support to other women (and men) as they navigate through life at 50 plus. After more than 20 years in corporate and legal careers, Karen completely reinvented herself after 50 and started getting what she really wanted out of life – personally and professionally.

Now as the premier coach for 50-somethings, she combines her diverse and extensive skills with her natural blend of creativity, enthusiasm and humor to help Baby Boomers make their fifties the gateway to the best half of life.