Honoring All the Women You’ve Been: A Midlife Reflection Inspired by Emory Hall’s Poem
A recent version of me.
A friend of mine (thank you Sherry) shared a beautiful poem with me this week by Emory Hall - she describes herself as a poet, creative, mother.
I’ve become a fan simply because her poetry is elegant, poignant, and easily understood.
One of Hall’s poems - “I have been a thousand different women” - moved me deeply, as I’m sure it will you. It inspired reflection on the all the various versions of me I remember, some of whom I’m just now making peace with.
I’m learning that midlife is a powerful time for self-reflection and embracing the wisdom of all our past selves, including those of our ancestors. By honoring them, listening to them, we create space for growth, healing, and deeper self-compassion.
As you read this poem, I invite you to think about all the women you’ve been throughout your lifetime and beyond — and the ones waiting to emerge - “for they are the rivers of wisdom leading you toward the sea.”
make peace
with all the women
you once were.lay flowers
at their feet.offer them incense
and honey
and forgiveness.honor them
and give them
your silence.listen.
bless them
and let them be.for they are the bones
of the temple
you sit in now.for they are
the rivers
of wisdom
leading you toward
the sea.// i have been a thousand different women ~ Emory Hall
Journalling Prompts for Self-Discovery
As you reflect on all the versions of you, what stands out? Is there a version of you that feels she needs your attention the most right now?
How might honouring all the women you’ve been create space for the woman you are now or becoming?
I invite you to take your time with the reflective writing prompts. Notice what else emerges as you answer these questions in your favorite journal.
Won’t You Join Me?
🌿 If this poem inspired you, therapeutic/reflective writing can be a powerful way to explore your identity, wisdom, and growth in midlife. Each week in my newsletter, The WISER Woman’s Guide, I share journaling prompts for self-discovery, tools for self-compassion, and inspiration for women navigating life transitions.
Tap and Write: Combining EFT Tapping and Reflective Writing/Journalling
I also offer Tap and Write sessions, where I guide women through the healing combination of EFT tapping and therapeutic/reflective journaling. This unique practice helps you release old stories, reduce stress, and step into the woman you are becoming.
✨ Join my newsletter for weekly reflective prompts, or explore Tap and Write to experience the deeper transformation that comes from combining tapping with writing.
