When I was younger, I loved writing letters to the ‘future me’. I would write the aspirations that I had for myself, fold the letters up, seal them in an envelope, and put them in a safe (well, more like a combination lock box under my bed). Somehow, I was always patient enough to wait and read them when the designated time came, and they never failed to make me laugh (wishes for bigger boobs and a boy to kiss you will do that).
Now that I’m older, I also find myself thinking about what I would tell myself if I could go back in time. I really do feel that there is a lesson in everything that we go through, so I’m not sure I would change what’s happened, but it’s an interesting thing to think about. It also helps to highlight the things that have changed, especially in the last year– the craziest year of my life– and affirm the direction that I want to keep going in.
I would also love to hear what you would write to yourself, because I think there is so much we can learn from each other.
So – deep breath – if I could go back, this is what I would write to me, one year ago:
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Dear Self in 2012
- Stop taking life so seriously! I know that you feel like you can’t help it, but you can. Things are not as big of a deal as you make them out to be. Freaking out and getting upset over every little thing is pointless. It also makes you unpleasant to be around.
- Toss the negativity and cynicism. It’s not very becoming, and you’re a happier person when you look at the bright side.
- You need to go out more, make more friends. I know you’re scared of basically everything and everyone, but try harder. Relying on so few people for all of your happiness is ultimately not going to end well.
- It’s okay, take that whatever job to just to get by for now. It doesn’t make you a loser to do so. Everyone has hard times. Your ego is wounded right now, but you can do it. I promise.
- Take more risks and do more things alone. You’ll be happier to experience new things and your confidence will grow because of it. Having confidence in yourself is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
- Stop looking for validation from others. Only you can do that for yourself.
- Watch what you say, and only say what you really mean. You can never take away the things that you say to other people, and one day if your words are harsh enough, they’ll stop listening for good.
- Things get better, they really do. You’re stronger than you think. Keep pushing.
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What would you tell yourself if you could write a letter to the you one year ago? What are the biggest lessons you’ve learned?
