Writing a letter to your younger self is an opportunity for reflection and therapeutic healing. It is a helpful way to think about the past in a positive way. I’d urge everyone to write a letter to their younger self.
@estarsense
As you write a letter to your younger self:-
- Contemplate how you felt when younger.
- Consider how those feelings have changed knowing what you now know.
- Decide if it helps your future self.
This week as I celebrate my child’s birthday week, I contemplate what my life was like at her age, and what I would have done differently.
Instead of money and goods, this is my present to my awemazing daughter – a letter to my younger self.
Dear younger self
Fervently do I wish I knew then what I know now!
There’s so much I could tell you knowing what I know now but knowing how you were then I’ll make it as simple as possible.
First things first, remember you’ll never be this young again – make it count by making wise choices.
Second, no matter how terrible things appear, look, or seem, it is not the end of life. Things do get better.
1 Slow down
Don’t be too anxious to grow up, there’s so much life for you to live and God, in his infinity wisdom, has good plans for you. Enjoy your life now. However, stop wasting time wishing you were someone else, cherish your life as it is.
2 You are worth more than you think
Your mind will constantly tell you that you are not good enough, you are not working hard enough, or you are not getting enough. You are so much more than your negative thoughts. Stop looking at others for approval, learn to accept yourself as you are. Be kind to yourself and stop worrying about perfection – there’s no such thing as perfect and this is ok. Remember, the words you say to yourself becomes your life, be gentle, compassionate, and positive.
3 Worrying is futile
I know like I know almost all of the things you worry about will never happen. Shouldas, wouldas and couldas are a complete waste of your time. Stop wasting time and your life worrying about things you have no control over. Live in the present moment – don’t worry about the future or ruminate about the past. When your mind is cluttered with racing thoughts, meditate and express gratitude.
4 Love a little more deeply
Along the way, you will lose people you love, love them now and deeply, appreciate your time with them and tell them you love them. Express gratitude for the values they’ve brought in your life. Be kind to them, and if they make you feel less than, be gentle as you let them know how they make you feel.
5 Gratitude gratitude gratitude
Never stop expressing gratitude for everything. You are surrounded by abundance if you look closely. Be grateful for your family. Be grateful for your friends. Be grateful for your life. Nurture relationships with people outside your circle who support and love you.
6 Be respectful but know not everyone is rooting for you
There will always be people who don’t like you and anything you do. Accept that and move on. Create boundaries that these people won’t cross. Do what makes you happy because you cannot accommodate or please everyone. However, be confident and strong and stand up for yourself – don’t allow anyone to walk all over you or use you. Learn to forgive too, because ultimately forgiving others means more peace for you.
7 Have faith not fear
You have lived this far mainly on fear. I can’t blame you for this because most of the adults around you use fear as a weapon. Don’t let the fear conditioned in you to hold you back, step into your greatness with faith and not fear. You have a gift to offer the world, nurture it and share with the world even though some of the adults in your life say it was a useless gift, share it anyway.
8 Face your emotions head on
When faced with difficulties and pain, don’t hide the pain and disappointment to appear brave and strong. Face it head-on and let your emotions come to the surface, it is the only way to cleanse yourself and it’s good for your mental health and wellbeing. Invest in a good confidant to who you can express your pain and heal. Healing starts when emotions are expressed freely.
9 Believe in yourself
Along the way, life will try and knock you down. People will try and knockdown. Believe in yourself and live your life to the best of your God-given abilities. Remember there are no failures in life, only lessons, so be adventurous, courageous and dare to fly. And never stop learning.
10 Last but not least
Comfort and conviction don’t live side by side, don’t dampen your star to make others shine. Don’t be afraid to be honest or vulnerable with yourself – this is the only way towards growth and healing. Live fiercely and freely. Love yourself, it’s the only way to love others.
Yours truly, older, and wiser self.
***
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