An Open Letter To My Old Self | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

An Open Letter To My Old Self

Who I am today is not who I once was.

10908
An Open Letter To My Old Self
unsplash

Dear naïve, insecure, old version of myself,

Thank you for making me the person I am today.

Thank you for finally realizing what you deserve. It took some time, but I am the person I have admired and always wanted to be. I remember growing up; I had a very difficult time finding my identity in the world. Being surrounded by so many different types of people, I didn't know who I was or where I belonged. So I always tried to be the person everyone wanted me to be. After years of letting other take advantage of me, it was finally time for a change. It didn't happen over night, it took years. It's an ongoing transition that will never stop, because it's only making me a better version of myself.

Thank you for letting go of the people who brought you down. It's a natural cycle of life to let people in and let them go. But instead of letting them go, I would hold on to people who didn't deserve it. Focusing so much of my time on maintaining these friendships and relationships was exhausting. It was difficult to be the person they wanted me to be all the time. In order be the person you want to be, you have to let them go. It hurt me so badly to disappoint people, but they were constantly dragging me down. I thank those negative people every day, because they made me appreciate all of the genuine people I have in my life.

Thank you for mending meaningful relationships. Being around people who you think are your friends can make you push the real ones to the back burner. I was so wrapped up in keeping those petty relationships that I forgot about the true friends and family that had always been around. Whenever I would post something mildly depressing, these genuine people would be the first to contact me. Regardless of how long it had been since we had communicated, I could always count on them to pick me up when I was down.

Thank you for understanding that it's okay to not have it all together. In high school, I would fret and worry, because I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to do with my life. Let's face it, no one really has their life together. That's fun thing about life; once you think you have everything, you get thrown a curve ball, and you are right back at square one again. Once I understood that, I finally felt satisfied with being lost in life.

Thank you for sticking through the hard times and being optimistic even when the odds against you were slim to none. We have all been through our own personal adversities, but the way you deal with things truly define who you are. There were days when I wanted to give up on life and not do anything. I was always the person that pretended nothing was wrong in order to satisfy everyone else's feelings, because my issues seemed to be a burden to everyone around me. When I would wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, I realized I wasn't living for myself, nor trying to better the quality of my life. I was living for those who treated me so poorly and extending all of my energy to please them when I should have been dealing with my own struggles.

Thank you for reminding me every day that I am important, beautiful, intelligent, and loved. I did not change my identity to become stronger, I just started to care more about myself. Self worth is everything, but so easily overlooked. Love yourself and everything will fall into place, trust me.

Who I once was is not who I am now. But the girl I once was has turned me into the beautiful and strong woman I am proud to say I am today.

Love,

Your best version of yourself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

11565
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

5204
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

3850
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3395
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments