Letters To Myself

I recently saw this video, made by CBC Radio, about people giving advice to younger people, and shared it on my facebook. I love this video so, so much. I love how you can see the way confidence grows as one gets older. I’ve been very lucky in that from a very young age, I was confident in who I was and knew not to worry about what others (strangers) thought of me (most of the time). This particular skill has led me well in my life, and I try to pass that on to others.

As the old man says, no one knows what the hell they’re doing anyway! As one girl notes, you’re prettier than you think.

Words of wisdom I want to pass to myself:

Dear Me at 8,

Look before you leap. Literally. Stop breaking bones! It’s going to ruin your summer this year and you won’t be able to go swimming!

Dear Me at 12,

Middle School will end soon, it’s the most awkward time of your life. Laugh off the awkwardness and realize it’ll be over soon enough! Also, all 12-year-olds are idiots, it’s definitely not just you.

Dear Me at 16,

Some boys just really aren’t worth your time, your tears, or your energy. Someday soon you’ll figure out how to weed out the crappy ones. And don’t let those idiots affect your self-esteem! You are so much more than what high school boys think of you. Remember that you’re awesome, and not all 16 and 17-year-old boys are going to recognize that. AND STOP SMOKING.

Dear Me at 18,

We all make stupid decisions sometimes, just know that what you’re doing now will not ruin your life, because you are strong and you will come out the other side stronger and more prepared for life. And stop dating that guy! He doesn’t appreciate you and you should listen to your friends! Also, call your mother more. You are not a grown up yet and that’s ok.

Dear Me at 20,

Remember that real friends will be there for you in both good times and bad, and even though it hurts now, leaving behind toxic friends is the smartest decision.

Dear Me at 23,

Reach for your dreams!! You’re young, single, healthy, and have some money saved. Move out of state and follow your dreams. The absolute worst scenario is that it doesn’t work out, and then you’ll have learned a hard lesson. Trust me, do it. The rest of your life is waiting for you there.

Dear Me at 24,

Yes, try online dating. It’s weird and a little scary, but the love of your life is waiting. Don’t miss out on new opportunities just because it’s a little bit scary!

Dear Me at almost 30,

Your confidence will take you far. Stop nagging your fiance and remember, it’s ok for conversations to have a lull sometimes! Remember this time of love and wedding planning forever. Also, I'm pretty sure you're a grown up now. Deal with it.

Dear Future Me,

May you have all the love you can hold, all the dreams to keep flying towards, and the continued support of your partner in life. Don’t look back or have regrets. You can only apologize when necessary, learn from your mistakes, and move forward as a better person. Regrets will only bring you down. Do not ever live in the past. Always look to your partner and remember that you are a team. Life changes, people change, circumstances change, but you are strong, you are loved, and you are making a difference.