Photographer and Self-care Entrepreneur Danielle James is inviting us to go back in time to give a little pep talk to the child we used to, a big and heartfelt 'GIRL, you got this!'

Luton, June 2020

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Recently my six year old cousin asked me what I would do if I was given a magic remote that gave me only two options: a grey button to go back in time or a yellow button to skip to the future. At the time I gave my answer as “skip to the future because I’m sure things will be a lot better then”.

But now I can’t stop thinking about the magic remote with the time travelling buttons. Skipping to the future wasn’t the right choice! What I’d really want to do is go back in time, with the knowledge I have today, and equip little me with all the tools she would need to make sure she was ready for the future, with all of it’s ups and downs.

So this letter is all the advice I’d give to little me, if I pushed the yellow button on the magic time travelling remote.

1. You are amazing

Really you are and you shouldn’t let anyone tell you any different! You deserve to be treated with care and respect at all times. You are kind natured, funny, intelligent and a little rocket of energy and fun! You are worthy of all the love.

2. Tell people how you really feel

So little me, I know this is hard to believe but, it’s okay to be sad sometimes and to want a hug. You don’t have to keep your feelings inside – you are not a robot! If you feel happy, sad or anywhere in between it’s good to share that with those that you love. And I promise you they will listen.

3. Be gentle with yourself

You don’t have to be perfect. No one is and no one expects you to be. You will make mistakes, and do you know what? Those mistakes will help you to be the awesome woman I know you’ll be in the future (honestly little D, I had no idea we’d turn out to be so cool). 

Being gentle with yourself also means that you should take some time out for you if you need to! Read your favourite books, listen to your favourite songs and eat your favourite foods. The world is a super busy place and sometimes we just need a little peace and quiet and that’s okay.

And lastly…

4. You are a superhero

Did you know that every single one of us has a super power? It’s true. You are YOU and that’s your super power. There’s no one else like you. You are unique! Now sometimes that great power can be difficult to hold onto. But try as hard as you can to hold onto it! You don’t have to run with the crowd. Being different is okay – in fact being different is amazing! Write a list of all the things that make you YOU. Keep the list somewhere safe and look at it on days where you want to feel good or when you need a little reminder of just how great you truly are.

I’m really glad I got to use the magic remote and give you this letter.

Lots of Love,

Danielle

Danielle James is a British photographer and entrepreneur based in London. Her works focus on self-love, self-care through the prism of identity. She recently launched Kinky Afro, a wellness platform harnessing the power of aromatherapy, essential oils to soothe you and your surroundings. 

IG @mylittleafro

IG @kinkyafroscents | www.kinkyafroscents.com

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