The Valley
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Child
The Valley is where you hang out when everything is okay.
Things are still happening here—you’re still playing, learning, noticing, and feeling—but nothing is rushing you or pulling you too hard. You’re just being where you are.
From the Valley, you can see other places you can go if something feels tricky. If you feel sad, confused, mad, or tired, you know there are places to go help you sort it out. And because you know that, you don’t have to feel scared when those feelings show up.
The Valley feels comfortable. You know who you are here. You know what you like and what you don’t. You don’t have to pretend or try to be different.
You don’t give your feelings away to other people to decide for you. You can listen to others and still trust yourself. You know how to take care of what’s happening inside you.
Sometimes hard things still come through the Valley. That’s okay. You notice them, deal with what you need to, and then come back to feeling steady again.
This is a place where you can rest and play at the same time. You don’t have to be busy or quiet or “good” to be here. You just get to be you.
So sit here for a bit. Look around. Notice what feels nice. Let things happen without worrying about them too much—like sitting outside with a drink, watching the day go by, knowing you’re safe and you belong right where you are.
© Original work by Rev. Tina M. Adkins
Teen
The Valley is where you land when you’re not dealing with something big.
You’re still having experience here. Stuff is still happening. But it’s not loud or chaotic, and it’s not pulling you in a hundred directions at once. You’re present, involved, and paying attention—without needing to fix, explain, or figure anything out right now.
From the Valley, you can see where to go when something feels off. You don’t get stuck spinning or reacting. You know there are other places you can move into if you need clarity, space, perspective, or release—and that means you don’t have to panic when something uncomfortable shows up.
Things feel steady here. You recognize yourself. Your choices make sense to you. Some things are non-negotiable. Other things stay flexible. You don’t have to argue with yourself about every decision.
You’re not outsourcing your experience to other people, trends, expectations, or pressure. You still listen, learn, and get support—but you don’t hand over your inner authority. You trust your own ability to meet what’s happening.
Hard experiences can still pass through the Valley. Stress, loss, disappointment, confusion—they don’t disappear. But they don’t knock you off your footing. You engage what needs attention, then you come back.
This is a place where you can rest without checking out and participate without being overwhelmed. You’re not waiting for life to start. You’re already in it.
So hang out here for a while. Notice what’s around you. Let experience move without needing all of your focus. There’s space to observe, to enjoy what’s here, and to stay with it—like sitting back, taking a breath, and knowing you’re okay right where you are.
© Original work by Rev. Tina M. Adkins