By Samantha McKenzie

I love being a woman. In fact, each year I discover more fascinating (and peculiar) things about myself. Growing up and open is an amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

But there are times when I look in the mirror and I don’t recognize myself. Instead, I see the side effects of adulthood. I see the worry lines, the dark circles around my eyes and the blank stare I often give back when I still haven’t found a solution to a minor problem. I notice my natural joy, who used to show up frequently during my youth, now pops in less and stays for shorter visits.

I miss the little girl I used to be. The one who used to skip down the street, singing all the wrong words to a popular song without a care in the world. My biggest dilemma on any given day was how I would spend my $1 allowance at the convenience store.

She was sure-footed and patient. If you told her no the first time, she just waited for a better time to ask again. The little girl inside of me knew the “yes” was sure to come. Why not?

My childhood was filled with adventure and discovery and double dutch, stoop ball, Italian ices, skateboarding and crushing on The Jackson Five (I flip-flopped between Michael and Marlon). My biggest health risk back then was eating too many sunflower seeds and letting the salt cure my lips.

My motto was, if I made it home before the street lights came on, all would be well.

It’s important to tap back into the child within. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could carry this little person around to remind us how we used to be?

She smiles without measure and laughs with no regret.

She runs, jumps, and scales fences like there’s no tomorrow.

If she loses, she’s tough enough to get back in the race. If you fall down, she’s tender enough to pick you up again.

She giggles just because and is thoughtful enough to share her candy with you even before you ask. She’s that little girl that we all love and adore.

She is you.