An Open Letter To a Younger Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

An Open Letter To a Younger Me

You’re growing into a smart, intelligent, and beautiful girl. The future is full of surprises, and I can’t wait for you to see it.

7
An Open Letter To a Younger Me
Tech Crunch

Dear Younger Me,

Things are a little difficult right now. You’re confused, trying to find who you are, and being hurt by people who don’t deserve your friendship. You are looking for validation in all of the wrong places, and I really wish you could see that you don’t need it. I wish you could see that you are so worthy of love and respect just the way you are without trying to change yourself to fit in. I wish you could see how beautiful you are and that you wouldn’t listen to all of the negative words the toxic people in your life are poisoning your mind with. No one in your life is worth the tears and heartache you are experiencing right now. The sooner you learn to cut out those toxic relationships, the sooner you will realize how good life can be when you find the right friends who support you no matter what.

You’re in a dark patch right now. You feel trapped, like no one will understand the pain you’re going through. I wish you would just swallow your pride and stop pretending to be strong when you don’t have to be. It’s okay to need a little help, and you don’t have to be embarrassed. Be honest when your mom asks you why you’re upset. Even though you don’t want to believe it, she has some really good words of advice. Learn to listen to her.

Appreciate your siblings, because one day you’re going to be away at college for months at a time and realize how much you need them. Spend time with them. Savor every moment that you can be with them without having to travel five hours. Remember that friends come and go, but family will be there no matter what. Be a big sister they are proud of.

You’re going to meet new people that are going to hurt you. Don’t let those people ruin how you view others. Never stop loving people. Never strop trusting people. Life is full of heartbreak and people that want to hurt you, but don’t let those few bad seeds sprout cynicism in your heart. Remember that there are good people out there that want to care for you. Let them.

Voice your opinion. You have a voice and ideas that deserve to be heard. Never let yourself be silenced by people that don’t want to listen. Stop being so afraid of what others have to say about how you see the world. The second you stop caring about other people judging you for speaking your mind, a whole new world will open up for you. The liberation you will feel will be so worth it.

You probably think life is so hard right now. I have some bad and good news for you -- it gets harder, but thankfully, you will have people to lean on and help you through it. All of the things you think are the end of the world will become so irrelevant in the next few years that you’ll end up laughing at how much time you wasted being worried and stressed over nothing.

Lastly, never be afraid of love. Stop running from the people that want to love you, and stop being afraid of letting yourself love others. It’s okay to let yourself be vulnerable. This tough-girl façade is only going to hurt you in the end. Love as much as you can. Let others know how much you love them. You never know when you won’t get the chance to.

You’re growing into a smart, intelligent, and beautiful girl. The future is full of surprises, and I can’t wait for you to see it.

Love,
Future You

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

12771
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.

5624
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.

4162
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.

3643
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