A Message to My Younger Self:
Your eyes awakened to the rising of the world; the change of life and technology, the revolution of science, and the advancement of thought. You were held in the arms of the most nurturing, and tenderly kissed on the forehead by the lips of two angels. The days of turmoil that awaited you possessed great rage over the calm seas of your heart. . . . But they didn’t define you. Though unable to reckon your bounties throughout childhood, during those days of despair - they created you. They founded in you a strong spirit, and a prevailing heart of love. To this day, it is the deriving force that continues to inspire you.
So continue to love without fear, baby Juliana; love onwards and forevermore.
Excerpts from “Spirituality: The Soil of Academia” (full read available upon request).
“I recall sitting in a tenth-grade classroom asked to write three paragraphs with a thesis statement, when my pen would involuntarily dance the language of poetic verses. I would . . . find connections between the topics of in-class study and spiritual Writings of the Baháʼí Faith, with little time to get out of my seat and dry my tearful eyes. I was moved; I was enlightened.”
“In my final year of high school, I shared some words with my graduating class. I first asked them “what fills up empty space?”, and later answered “empty space is filled by Something Greater”. It was that “Something Greater” that vocalized the sound from my tremoring lips on stage, and the same “Something Greater” that has brought me to the final pages of this essay. I have always felt that I was, and will be, a spirit through which that “Something Greater” flows. My goal is to inspire individuals to recognize that, so too, are they.”
And this is me now. :) An integral piece of my life since childhood has been the Teachings of the Baháʼí Faith, which inspire much (if not most) of my creative work as well the foundation of love for world and soul instilled within.
My physical form is sure to continue to evolve with the passing of days; the coming of smiles and the wiping of tears. I can’t say that I look forward to it, because naturally the unknown can be overwhelming and possibly frightening. Though, I do await opportunities for learning greater degrees of love and acceptance, with every forthcoming physical change. I breathe for my body, but I live for my soul (and for yours, too).
And lastly, dear friend, though seemingly absurd to say having not met you face to face: I love you, and am proud of your inner light. If, also, you make all effort to concentrate your powers of heart and mind on love, I will surely feel you.
Smile on & shine on! 🌟
