Page 46 - Women’s Health - Australia (February 2020)

Backfo By Penny C arroll

theFuture

How turning your gaze to the past can help you reboot the present

“You have the power

It may not feel like it on
those days you splash to rule your life”
coffee on your white tee
before 9am, but you are,
in fact, a wellspring of life Sixteen years ago Ronni Kahn stumbled
on the idea for OzHarvest, a charity
experience and knowledge. that distributes surplus food to people
That’s why penning a letter in need. She writes to her younger self
to your younger self can who had just found her life purpose.
be a powerful exercise.
“The process of revisiting “You don’t know it yet, but the journey you
your younger self is usually are about to embark on will fundamentally
a little challenging – and change your life. Right now, you only see
can sometimes make us the obvious – you have surplus food and
cringe – however, it you should feed hungry people with it – so it
provides clarity on what doesn’t occur to you to be daunted. Nor has
it occurred to you yet that you are tapping
you need to let go of, into your sacred duty, your calling. There will
and also allows us to be challenges ahead, but the optimism and
recognise how much we fearlessness you were unknowingly instilled
have achieved and grown with at a young age means you will never
as a person,” explains give up. Most importantly, you have learnt
Scott Whiteway, principal that while external forces may rage, only
psychologist at Sydney’s you can decide if you’re going to be happy
Body & Mind Health. “This or sad; you make the choice as to the kind
is a major foundation of a of life you want to lead. That’s where you
healthy self-esteem and have the power to rule your life. One day you
will be so grateful for these values, as you
sense of confidence.” look back in awe at where OzHarvest has
Need inspo to get your landed. You will be filled with joy that you’re
writing juices flowing? able to do something so meaningful.”
We asked five inspiring
women to write letters
to their younger selves –
and the results are a Ronni at a
landfill site
gift we can all share. in Thailand

46 womenshealth.com.au FEBRUARY 2020