The end of summer and the start of school puts me in a mode of reset and reflection. Sofia is in 8th Grade, and that means next year is high school for her.

I find myself thinking about my own journey from early school days into high school, and about the conversations I had with my younger self. The whispers and the wishes I spoke into the world; the things I wanted my mind to hear and my heart to embrace.

I kept a journal through elementary school, junior high, high school, and into university. Scratchings and musings...random quotes from books I was reading, poems I came across, along with what I felt were my own, very deep thoughts! On a recent trip home to family, I looked through some of those entries...my sloping cursive running across the page...and, here are some of my favorites from that young(er) girl:

"You're starting high school tomorrow. It's ok to be a little scared. Just be a little strong, too."

"Stand for something or you'll fall for anything."

"Make sure the ladder you're climbing leads to a place you want to go." (this one is rooted in a comment my dad made at one point years earlier, and I hold onto it still)

"Be generous with your friendship, but don't be afraid to walk away from someone who doesn't reflect your values and celebrate your worth."

"Laugh. It doesn't matter if you snort (you know you do, Jacquie)."

"Find joy. Everywhere. In nature. In the success of others. Let them know they matter to you. You will never be sorry you lifted someone else up."

And, inspired by a trip from my 7 year-old niece, I present this nugget, "Turn down the suck. Turn up the good."

Here's to an amazing school year for everyone.