I’ve written letters to versions of myself I’ve yet to meet before. Usually for school, always cliche things like stay friends with her or trust your gut more or don’t worry about life too much. I’ve written letters to my older self, to open after graduation, or to open after freshman year of college. But I’ve never written anything for my younger self before. I mean, what’s the point? But after this, I realize that it’s surprisingly cathartic to make a list like this. So, here are 22 things I wish my younger self knew.
- Don’t wear that. It doesn’t go with anything, and it does nothing for your shape.
- High school isn’t everything. It gets better than this.
- You’ll make better friends.
- Your anxiety will get better, then worse, then better. Just ride it out.
- Tell someone about your anxiety. Don’t hold it in.
- All of your hard work in school will be worth it. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.
- Never stop following your passion – poetry, reading, singing, theater, law school, anything.
- Listen to your parents. They know better than you.
- Trust your older sister. She knows better too.
- Keep getting to things early. People may say it’s nerdy, but being early to things is always worth it.
- You don’t have to be a “cool” kid to have friends or have a good time.
- Life doesn’t always go to plan. But it’ll all work itself out.
- Don’t stop reading. Ever.
- When things go bad, it’s not the end of the world.
- Be kind.
- Though every other high schooler may be showing you differently, you do not need a boyfriend to complete you.
- Your dreams are valid.
- Don’t be afraid to fail. It makes you better.
- Stay a kid as long as possible. Being an adult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
- College will come. College will pass. School isn’t everything.
- Everything will be okay.
- Never, ever let anyone make you feel ashamed for who you are.
My younger self was smart, but I suppose I’ve learned quite a bit since then. Making this list helped me to realize that – helped me to know that – I’ve grown, and that I do know things will get better, no matter how terrible I may feel.
Featured image via Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels
