I love you even when you don't think or act like me. I love you even when you do or say something that makes me uncomfortable. I love you even when you are inconvenient (doesn't mean I don't have boundaries - boundaries are also love). I love you even when you project your pain instead of stay with it - you are human. I love you even when you rest and aren't "productive." I love you even when you question the status quo. I love you even when you believe something different than me. I love you even when you are angry at me. I love you even when your outsides look ugly or tired. I love you even when you are afraid to be loving.

Can we imagine what life would look and feel like if we each allowed ourselves to go inside and give this kind of love to ourselves, the little sweet children inside of us? Can we imagine the ripple effect it would have on our families, businesses, communities, the world? Can we even fathom what true unconditional love is?

I had a conversation with one of my mentors today. I have known her for 10 years. She has known me for 20 seasons of life at least (though if you know me, you know a lot can happen in even an hour! So even many more seasons than that). I chose to trust her with my heart, my path, my inner world. Not because she is perfect. Not because at times I didn't want to quit years ago when her presence, questions, changes, or embodiment felt uncomfortable or had me question her or myself. Not because she has all the answers (most of the time she asks me: what do YOU think/feel?)

I choose to stay in long-term mentorship because I love it. And because it asks for a certain kind of devotion to myself. Because relationships are inherently perfect and imperfect, messy and glorious. Because I deeply love and admire every part of my mentor, and I feel deeply loved by her. Because life is full of opportunities to see the love in everything and everyone. Because she lives in a way that is bold, brave, kind, and peaceful inside. She is not afraid of telling me no. Or yes. Because she is wise, and celebratory, and kind, and imperfect, and loving. And most of all: she loves herself - all the parts. And that is who I want to grow from, with, alongside.