I’m here for a fun time, not a long time. I want to live life fully. I’ve already done the heavy lifting. I’ve faced the deep healing, I’ve done the shadow work, and I’ve cried the tears that reshaped me. From here on, I’m down for maintenance. But healing is no longer my whole life.

I’ve found my truth, and now it’s time to live it out. Awakened. Remembered. Rooted in myself. I fully trust that I will always protect me, always put myself first. If it doesn’t align with my soul, I will not allow it. No matter who or what is attached.

I will live my life for me. I will protect my freedom the way a mother protects her child—because I am my own daughter. I’m re-mothering myself in a way that feels safe, joyful, and true.

This doesn’t take away from my mother. No parent gets a rule book. Most do the best they can with what they know. And what they know usually comes from what they learned in their own childhood. My mom isn’t perfect. Neither am I. But I’ve chosen to heal my mother wounds. We all carry them in some way.

Maybe, by me releasing mine, she’ll find freedom in releasing hers. Because I can see her more clearly now—not just as my mom, but as a woman. And I understand her in a way I never did before. I sense that all she ever wanted was to feel deeply loved and cared for.

And I’m sorry she didn’t always receive that.

When I think about my own journey, I realize neither had I. Not until I found it in myself. Now, I finally feel whole.

Tears of joy fall as I write this. Being back home has been healing in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Having my mom back in my life after years apart—it’s softened something inside me. I no longer just know she loves me, I feel it. And that makes all the difference.

I’m so glad life brought me here, back to her. Back to us.

Maybe one day she’ll read this. And if she does:

Mom, I love you so much. Thank you for your sacrifices, for doing your best, and for raising me into the woman I’ve become. I understand now that you birthed someone unique, precious, and complex. And even though it’s taken me a lifetime to remember who I am—I see now that I am your success story.

Because I’ve grown into a beautiful young woman. Inside and out. Witty, charming, intelligent, funny, kind, and strong.

And now that I love myself fully, I finally have the space to love you the way you deserve.

With love,
Julie Renee