A Letter from My Younger Self: Finding Strength and Wisdom in Adulthood
Hey there,
It's me—well, a younger version of you. I’m writing this letter from a place of hope, curiosity, and maybe just a bit of naiveté. I know life has thrown you some serious curveballs since then, and you’ve had to navigate a lot more than I could ever have imagined, but I wanted to reach out across time to remind you of some things you might have forgotten, things that could help you as you continue to walk this path.
Embrace the Uncertainty:
Remember how we used to be so eager to figure everything out? We wanted answers, clarity, and a clear path ahead, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s that life doesn’t always give you a roadmap. Uncertainty is part of the deal, and that’s okay.
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Life is about exploration, discovery, and sometimes just rolling with the punches. Trust that with each step you take, the path will become clearer. Let go of the need to control everything and embrace the adventure that comes with the unknown(I know that this is a struggle for you, but just try...).
Be Kind to Yourself:
We’ve always been our own toughest critic, haven’t we? Well, here’s the thing—being hard on yourself doesn’t make you better or stronger. It just wears you down. Give yourself some grace. You’re doing the best you can with what you have, and that’s more than enough.
Self-compassion isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a recognition of your humanity. You’re going to make mistakes, and that’s okay. Learn from them, grow, but don’t beat yourself up over them. Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer to someone you love(Again, something I know we struggle with, but it's something we really need to practice more.).
Keep Searching for Who You Are:
Back when I was younger, I didn’t really know who I was, and that’s something you’re still figuring out now, but here’s a reminder: identity isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. You’re constantly evolving, and that’s a good thing.
Don’t be afraid to keep exploring who you are. Try new things, push your boundaries, and stay open to change. You don’t have to fit into anyone else’s mold. The world doesn’t get to define you—you define yourself. Keep searching, and don’t be afraid of what you might find.
Manage the Anxiety:
I know anxiety has become a bigger part of your life than we ever thought it would be. It’s tough, but I believe in your ability to manage it. Remember to breathe, to stay present, and to focus on what you can control. You don’t have to let anxiety run the show.
There’s strength in acknowledging your fears but not letting them dictate your actions. You’ve come so far, and you’ve faced so much. Don’t let anxiety steal your peace or your joy. You have the tools to handle this, and you’re not alone in the fight.
Resilience is Your Superpower:
Life hasn’t always been kind or easy, but if there’s one thing I know about us, it’s that we’re resilient. We’ve been knocked down more times than we can count, but we always get back up. That’s something to be proud of.
Keep pushing forward, even when it feels like the world is against you. Draw strength from the challenges you’ve already overcome, and trust that you’ll get through whatever comes next. Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about always rising(We've taken some really big hits and we're still standing! Says a whole lot, remember that!).
Know Your Worth:
You’ve learned this the hard way, but it’s something I need to remind you of—your worth isn’t up for debate. It’s not tied to your successes or failures, to what others think of you, or to the roles you play. Your worth comes from within, from who you are at your core.
Don’t let the world or anyone in it make you feel less than you are. You’ve got a good heart, a sharp mind, and a spirit that won’t quit. That’s more valuable than anything else. Hold onto that truth, especially when life tries to make you doubt it(We have had enough people try to devalue our worth, and we have seen it all to be lies.).
Say No When You Need To:
We’ve always been a bit of a people-pleaser, haven’t we? But here’s the thing—you don’t have to say yes to everything. In fact, sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is say no. It’s not about letting people down; it’s about setting boundaries and protecting your peace.
You don’t owe anyone your time, energy, or happiness. Learn to say no without guilt, and prioritize your well-being. It’s okay to put yourself first sometimes. In fact, it’s necessary(I have learnt that "No" is our friend, embrace it).
Keep Growing:
Life is a constant process of growth and change. You don’t have to stay the same, and you don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Keep learning, keep evolving, and keep striving to be the best version of yourself.
You’re going to make mistakes, and you’re going to have setbacks, but don’t let that stop you. Growth isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Take it one day at a time, and trust that you’re on the right path, even when it doesn’t feel like it(Remember that growth is not just linear and it happens on so many fronts, always embrace the growth.).
So here we are, years apart, but still the same in so many ways. I’m proud of who you’ve become, even with all the struggles and uncertainties. You’ve handled more than I ever could have imagined, and you’ve come out stronger on the other side. Keep going, keep believing in yourself, and remember—you’ve got this.
With all the hope and optimism of a younger you,
Your past self.
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