A Letter to My Past Self

May 1, 2015

     Dear Younger Me...

     Happy May everybody! Also, happy Friday! The school year is almost ending so good luck to everybody out there! This post is a bit different from my previous posts, but I was suddenly inspired to write something like this.

     If I could talk to my younger self, it would go a little something like this. Here are some things that I wish I could tell my younger self.

1. Life is Not Always Rainbows and Butterflies.

     Yes, you will go through a day when the sun isn't shining as brightly as it used to. A day when you miss your bus because your alarm wasn't loud enough to wake you up, or you set your alarm a day later than planned (ruffles hair vigorously). There will be days where you just want to bury yourself under the covers and never want to crawl back out.

     Let me tell you that the lows in life happen for a reason. Not only do these experiences help you get stronger, but they also help you learn to see in different perspectives. You might even be able to help a friend in the future by being able to empathize with them. Use these bad days and look at them like a life lesson or moral. You'll look back on the bad moments and thank every single one, even if they caused heartbreak to you.

2. Love.

     Love God. Love your neighbors. Love yourself. Embrace the fact that you are here on this earth with a brain you can use on your own and with a working body. I know you think that there isn't enough love to give and that love is only for those who are special to you, but let me tell you this. When you do give love to others, love will eventually come back. Whether it's from God (most definitely), from your family or friends, or maybe even a doggy that's passing by.

     Also, love the people around you before it's too late. When you have times when you don't feel loved, look back on the times when you did feel loved. Read old letters, look at old photos, and listen to some music. These activities will bring back memories, but look at the happy side of all those magical moments.

3. Be You.

     Define yourself and make yourself be the best version of you. So what if you're a little weird compared to the others around you? I consider that a benefit! The adjective "weird" or "different" is not necessarily a negative connotation. Take it as a compliment and be proud of who you are! I would wear the word "weird" on my shirt as a badge to show others how proud I am to be different.

(Wise words from Emma Stone).

     Instead of comparing yourself to others and berating yourself, use that energy to help yourself become the person who you want to be. Be proud of who you are and do not let others have the power to tell you what you are and what you aren't. Because you are you and nobody can change that.

Except you.

4. You are Beautiful.

     Your mom says it. Your dad says it. Your brother says it. You are beautiful. Beauty is not only about being skinny or having a thigh gap, it's about being healthy and being able to embrace yourself for who you are. The world has contorted the meaning of beauty by showing us pictures of photoshopped models with big bosoms and big bums. Don't let those pictures fool you because it's all just an illusion.

     Your body is not for others to judge. They have no right to call you out about your body. Do you have working lungs? Do you have all your limbs? Do you have working eyes and ears? I call those huge blessings and be thankful for them. Don't listen to other people who insult you about your appearance. Look at yourself in the mirror and tell your reflection that you are beautiful.

5. Listen to Your Parents.

     Honor them. Respect them. Do what you are told! Yes, they told you not to eat five pieces of candy before you sleep. They have reasons my child, reasons (told you you would get tons of cavities). They will always care for you, love you, and know what's good for you. They want to look out for you because you are their child. They have lived on this earth longer than you have so listen to them.

     Your parents were able to raise you and put a roof over your head. They place three hot meals in front of you without fail every single day. Before they make most of their decisions, they will think about what you would want. There may be times where it seems like mommy and daddy aren't trying to understand your words, but try putting yourself in their shoes and take another look around. I guarantee you, it will be different.

(This scene in Tangled made me bawl my eyes out).

     

6. And Lastly, Smile.

     Smile your heart out and make sure you do when you mean it. You're only given one life to live and if you go every Monday without smiling, how many days down the drain is that? I cannot tell you enough to look at the positive side of things. Dress ripped? You didn't like it anyway. Phone battery died? I can now socialize face to face (unless it's when you're waiting for your parents to pick you up after school [not to mention your first day of school in a new place])!
   

     Happiness comes from a positive mind and you're own thoughts influence your outlook on life. Don't feel happy at all? Try smiling or watch somebody else laugh. It's bound to stir some kind of positive emotion in you. It doesn't hurt to smile and all it takes is ten muscles in your wonderful face (I might be wrong). I mean, look at Buddy the Elf in the picture above. In my opinion, his smile was pretty contagious.


     Those are the six things I would want to tell my younger self if I ever got to get in a time machine and appeared in front of her or was able to magically send a letter to her. There are several other things I would want to say, but I'll let you guys think about it too. What would you want your younger self to know if you could go to the past and talk to them?

     I hope everybody has a wonderful weekend and that everybody stays safe and healthy. It is currently fall here so it's definitely chilly now! Enjoy the time you have with others now before it is too late. Love your neighbors and yourself too. Lastly, smile. Smile and show others how wonderful you are.

Thanks for reading!