Addressed to your past self, what would your letter say? Inspired by an iCiNG post, I started thinking about what I’d tell my post high-school self, knowing what I know now.
I briefly considered writing to my past self to warn myself NOT to shop at WalMart, or maybe of dangers lurking ahead. I could tell myself to store things in plastic boxes, not cardboard, so I wouldn’t lose memorabilia when the basement flooded (technically I have my HS diploma, but it’s covered in green fuzz). I could tell myself that the boy I will think I like isn’t really worth it… but every time I start thinking about warnings, I get sort of a “McFly-don’t-screw-with-the-past” feeling in my tummy. I wouldn’t want to change my trajectory and not end up where I am now – and I LOVE my life! Though I’ve experienced disappointment and disaster, I genuinely believe I had to experience all my past to be where I am now (though I am not my past experiences!).
The letter I’d write to my past self, then, might look something like this:
“Hey child!
Listen, when life throws you lemons, make lemonade. I know that sounds cliché, but remember that phrase, because it’s worth more than you think. You’re going to meet a few people who are lemons – who are confused about what they stand for, but don’t let that get you down. Keep your head up, and love yourself. When you know a situation doesn’t fit you, it’s up to you to change it (make lemonade!), and believe me – your future is worth it. There’s a whole world of sunshine and magic just waiting to happen, and you’ll recognize that when you reach it.
Love, Birdie
PS – You were wearing legwarmers and tights before they were cool again. You were onto that arm warmer thing, ballet flats, wearing feathers in your hair, and crocheted berets before they got big. You’re way ahead of the curve.”
What would you say to your younger self if you could? Would it sound something like that? Would you tell yourself that you look silly wearing big baggy pants and camo?? C’mon – you can think of something
Feedback