Picture this

Picture this You're eight years old, in your bedroom, playing with your favorite stuffed animals. But not far from your door, the sounds of raised voices echo-voices that do not sound happy. You shift your focus back to your toys: Three different teddy bears. One is the daddy, one is the mommy, and one is the daughter. You make the bears do the opposite of those raised voices. You give them calm, inviting tones, words that are loving, nurturing-the words that would heal your inner child. As your focus sinks deeper into this world you've made, a light smile forms on your face. Until, the sound of your bedroom door creaking open. You look up to see your mother, her face covered in exhaustion. She tells you to go to bed, and so you do, gathering all your teddies close. Because tonight, you want to be part of the wholesome life you've created for them. ~ B.J