Radio 1 have been asking celebrities and listeners to write a letter to their 10-year-old-self. The letters I have heard have been moving and full of wisdom; so much so that I decided to write my own. Here goes:
Dear 10-year-old Marie,
Well, I’m a lot older now but I don’t really feel that much different than when I was your age. You’ll be pleased to hear that everything turns out okay.
I just want to let you know that you are doing great! Life is going to feel quite confusing in the next few years but just remember that you are not to blame, and you are not responsible for the weird and confusing things that the adults in your life get up to.
You already have a strong sense of right and wrong and that is going to grow even stronger as you get older. Stick with your instinct; with what you feel sure is the right thing to do. Instead of listening to other people’s points of view, remember that your deeper feelings are your own best guide, and they are always with you.
Secondary school is going to start well but become harder because of things that happen at home. Although you want to give up, don’t. You are more capable and intelligent than you think you are. Don’t decide to let things at home mess up your studies – you can achieve your grades despite what’s happening outside of school. So, listen to the teachers and keep working hard. It’ll be worth it.
You’ll feel that you’ve fallen behind everyone else, but you haven’t really. You just think you have. Don’t believe it – it’s a trap lots of people fall into. Have faith in yourself and know that you are doing the best you can, every single day. Even the days which don’t go well; you’re still doing the best you can in those moments.
When you feel lacking in confidence, don’t worry! Everyone has times (days, weeks, months) when they lack self-confidence. You’re no different to anyone else. You have all the confidence you need already – it’s always available to you.
Keep having lots of fun. You might not believe this right now but you’re going to have lots of friends, you’re going to explore the world and you’re going to have a LOT of fun. Perhaps too much fun at times … you might want to drink less tequila!
You go through a phase of smoking in your early 20s. Don’t bother; it’s horrid, it smells, and you really, really do not look cool.
It will take you quite a few years but, in the end, you’ll stop trying to fix everyone else and you spend more time being kinder to yourself. My advice to you is to start doing that as soon as possible.
My final thoughts to you, 10-year-old Marie, are to moisturise every day and eat fewer bowls of chips!
I love you and I’m really proud of you.
Marie
x
So, what would you write in your letter to your younger self? Looking back, what would be the main messages you’d want to tell 10-year-old you?
You know, it’s not too late to start telling yourself these messages, even now.
xx