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Little Me, Adult Me
Who is actually reacting right now?
Sometimes a small thing sets off a very big feeling. That is usually a clue. The reaction does not belong to the moment in front of you. It belongs to a younger you, little me, who felt this same way a long time ago and never got comforted.
When you notice that flood of feeling, pause and ask, is this adult me reacting, or little me? Little me is allowed to feel scared, unseen, or unsafe. That feeling is real and it makes sense.
But adult me gets to be the one who responds. Adult me can say, I have got you, you are safe now, I am here. You get to be the steady grown-up that the younger you always needed.
Hold onto this
Comfort the little me. Let the adult me lead.