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If you were to write a letter to your 16 year old self, what would you say?
This was the first sentence I read in a book that caught my eye in a bookstore a little while ago. It was a collection of letters by famous people - not to family or friends - but to themselves at the age of 16.
I thought that it was such an interesting idea; and, after reading a bit, thought the things that they told themselves were absolutely priceless! One said not to bother with diets; another warned of the dangers of the partying lifestyle; another advised themselves not to hate the world, or parents; and yet another (famous entertainer) told their younger self to listen to their mother and keep taking piano lessons. And it’s been something that I have thought about ever since.
Here's what I'd say to a 16 year old me:
Dear past Kim,
Life can be really hard but it will get better.
I know you don’t have any idea what you want to do with your life but just follow the things that make you happy.
Treasure all the time you spend with your family – especially your grandmother.
You will make a friend who you can tell all your secrets to, and it will be a friendship to keep all your days.
Don’t let yourself get too busy - take the time to laugh and enjoy all those funny little moments.
Learn to live past your regrets.
Food is not your enemy – just eat all things in moderation (except dairy – dairy might be you enemy)
I know you don’t have any idea what you want to do with your life but just follow the things that make you happy.
Treasure all the time you spend with your family – especially your grandmother.
You will make a friend who you can tell all your secrets to, and it will be a friendship to keep all your days.
Don’t let yourself get too busy - take the time to laugh and enjoy all those funny little moments.
Learn to live past your regrets.
Food is not your enemy – just eat all things in moderation (except dairy – dairy might be you enemy)
Your mum is making lots of sacrifices for you – remember to be thankful and not take those things for granted.
Someday soon you and your sister will be really good friends – it’s lovely.
Being a tomboy is alright, but it’s ok to pierce your ears and wear dresses too.
Suspenders will give you a wedgie – I know you think they’re cool but they’re actually uncomfortable. Don’t go there!
And finally, you’re a good kid – don’t be so hard on yourself!
Love, future Kim
Someday soon you and your sister will be really good friends – it’s lovely.
Being a tomboy is alright, but it’s ok to pierce your ears and wear dresses too.
Suspenders will give you a wedgie – I know you think they’re cool but they’re actually uncomfortable. Don’t go there!
And finally, you’re a good kid – don’t be so hard on yourself!
Love, future Kim
What would you say to your younger self, having the privilege of hindsight and life experience?
Kim
4 comments:
I would say: do what you love, be brave. Don't let yourself be put in a box on the shelf. Be a tiger and be soft all at the same time. And laugh out loud as much as possible. Never apologise for who you are. Being assertive is not the same as being aggressive, so say what you think without worrying about what other people think.
And you are not fat, you just need to watch less TV and eat more vegetables. You will grow to love Broccoli but perhaps will never ever remember how to spell it (I may have got it right just then ... first time ever?)
Great post. :)
Enjoyed your letter Kimberly, you forgot to tell your 16 year old self to recognise that you are exceedingly artistic and unique and this talent will see your creative self build your business, doing something you love. :O)
Cousin Tracey x
Such a cute letter Kim! I think I would say stay away from Navy boys on motorbikes, take German as an elective at school because you will need it later in life, keep the music lessons up - life will be all about music in your 20s and it would be good for you to join in the jams, your family rocks and you should take more notice of the time you spend together as kids.... oh, maybe I need my own letter?
A lovely letter, Kim. This is advice we could all have used at 16. So now I challenge you to find a real 16 year old to give it too... wouldn't that be great!!! x
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