Dearest 5 year old Christine, 

My heart is full of gratitude right now as I write to you about life's meaning. To me, life is about growing to know ourselves so we can live our life's purpose—a purpose that is found deep inside our hearts. Each person, I believe, has a purpose meant for them, and you get to discover what that is for you. 

The answer is already inside you. The beauty of life is that it will show you, if you know how to see. One way to see is by looking at your life's experiences through a lens of curiosity. Rather than asking, "Why is this happening to me?" you can ask, "What is this trying to teach me?" 

When you can have an open mind in that way, the answers will come to you, even if there are moments with pain and suffering. In fact, especially in those moments, you will receive the wisdom hidden inside them. 

All of life's experiences, the "good" and the "bad," teach us about ourselves and about others.

I believe that we are here to be brave, kind, and loving, starting with self-love and self-acceptance. 

Remember to trust your inner voice, that inner voice which guides you to your highest potential. This voice is always positive and supportive, guiding you with love and wisdom, asking you to challenge yourself to face your fears with courage and faith. 

If the voice you hear isn't loving, if it is critical, belittling, and making you feel doubtful or not good enough, then that isn't your inner guide. That voice is the inner critic. The critic is fear masquerading as your inner guide. This is an illusion. Don't fall for it. Challenge that voice. Wisdom can help you discern the difference between the two. 

Your inner voice will never make you feel bad about yourself, only the inner critic can do that. Learn how to acknowledge that negative voice, reminding her that she isn't based in truth, and you will be free to follow your life's path with ease.

You will save yourself a lot of heartache if you choose to have faith in your inner guide. She knows how to take care of you and how to guide you. Listen to her as she nudges you toward the next right thing for you. She won't let you down. 

In order to hear her, sometimes you may need to quiet your mind. Meditation in any form is a great way to connect with your inner wisdom. 

By simply being yourself, you will unlock your light into this world. If you are brave, creative, and curious your world will open up to you. Give what feels good to give. Surround yourself with people that see the best in you and those that encourage you to be more fully yourself, and do the same for them. That's what love in action looks like. There is magic in being loved and in loving others. 

I love you so much that the love feels like it will burst through my whole being, almost taking my breath away. You are a blessing. You are everything that makes this world beautiful and bright. Your heart is so full of love and creativity that I cannot wait to see what meaning you come to make of your life.

I love you always and forever.

-Me