Disclaimer: It is either likely or highly unlikely that any sentiments expressed in this letter in any way coincide with those of any other person in any way associated with me. I was often asked what would I suggest to my younger self, if given a chance. Here I’ve written a letter to my younger self, which isn’t a very common practice.
A Letter To My Younger Self!
Dear Mini-me,
You must have heard from everyone many times that “Do not grow up, it’s a trap”. Today after turning out to be a 20 something, I’m going to tell you what it is like to be a grown up. I have time traveled 15 years back to tell you how much I love you and how we have synchronically made this life for me. Here I’m writing a letter to my younger self, which is you.
First thing first, don’t ever be frightened of anything. The little school going girl that you are, you are a marvelous kid. All the naughtiness that has vanished due to the circumstances in the past year, I say you should continue to be the same naughty kid. When I look back to the time I have traveled, I feel it is boring to be a decent kid.
All the tough subjects in school syllabus aren’t a big deal, you will still make it to the top. It’s OK if the other person is scoring 0.5 or 1 mark more than you, in the end, it does not even matter. Do not get upset over missing a rank, go out and play games, get bruises and make more friends. Go play whatever makes you happy, you need not play with a doll/Barbie at all because you don’t like it. It’s OK to have short hair and not have braids when you go to school.
Have as many crushes as you want, I allow you to. I still do, why not you? I know, there are Hitlers’ encompassing, you need not always tell them how many crushes have you had and how you perceive it. Act crazy and weird at times, you are not straight out of a classic story, and you can be weird too. Someday a Teacher will tell you “A lotus is still a lotus even in the mud”, respect her for she is going to give you the best life lessons.
I know, you have had the unfortunate times at such tender age but that is only going to make you strong. Remember, every lesson from life is unpleasant but these lessons will not destroy or kill you. Make more mistakes and learn the hard lessons by yourself. Trust me, you will not realize it at this time but you will learn a hell lot of things in the years to come. When I see you through the glass, I see a shy and quiet girl who is bright and intelligent. Be proud of yourself and use it to your favor.
Give, But don’t allow yourself to be used. Love, but don’t allow your heart to be abused. Trust, but don’t be naïve. Listen, but don’t lose your own voice.
And my dear mini-me, stop brother-zoning every guy you meet; today I see I’m surrounded by the maximum number of annoying brothers. Possibly only person to have so many brothers around and they’ll get you mad every time in the crowd even though they stand by you when needed.
All the ways that make you different are the ones that make you stand out. It’s OK to be different. Dream big because that is what you are supposed to at this age. You will eventually achieve everything that you truly desire and deserve. If you feel, life isn’t fair to you right now, this too shall pass. Most of the things that are taught to you by the school and society are not the facts, it’s OK you will anyways figure out what is good for you.
People say you think too much, and it will continue even when you sail through the adulthood. Love yourself, because that is who you are going to spend the rest of your life with. I feel that everything happens for a reason, even though I fail to realize it at that point in time. In the adulthood, you cannot make more mistakes, as that is how life is supposed to be. Evaluate things before acting on them, let alone people think you are old school.
Whenever you feel you are tired; drained physically and emotionally just remember you have to keep moving. You see, today mom is very proud of who I have become after fighting all the odds. I know things happen late in my life, but I have got the best ones. So you too make an attempt to trust in whatever is meant to be, it will happen.
If you think your life is not as perfect as that of your friend’s, then it is only a matter of time. Be happy with all the little things that you have, while there are people with nothing and they do still smile. Everything will come to you at the perfect time. Do what is right for you, for there is none walking in your shoes. No matter what happens and how hard it seems to be, you will be better tomorrow.
If any evil aunt asks you to learn cooking, just say you are still in school and you will learn it someday. Today, I can totally manage it all. Anyone if ever treat you in unfair ways, voice it out and stand for yourself. Stand for mom, make her feel safe around you. Be nice to everyone who is nice to you. Life is too short to live with regrets and disappointments.
Do not waste time thinking of wrong things or people, 5 years from now it will not even matter. The nicest ones that you have met and are going to meet will stay with you forever or at least they are here at this point. Feel blessed for what you have.
If all that you did today was to hold yourself, I am proud of you mini-me. Just be real, it’s not at all complicated.
Last, but not the least – When you are wrong, admit it; when you are right, be quiet!
Did this letter take you back to your childhood days? If you were to write your own version of “letter to my younger self” what would it be like? Please write down in comments.
Love,
The grown-up you!