Dear Past Self

Someone once asked me the question: “if you could talk to anyone, who would it be and why?”

My answer was: “my past self because there is a lot of advice I would give her that would help her navigate this crazy world.” 

~

Dear Past Self (Diary),

Take your hair out of a ponytail, we all know you’re just insecure. 

Stop wearing a headband, it looks bad. 

Put on sunblock, you don’t want to get wrinkles.

Turn down the music in your earbuds, you’re going to damage your ears.

You shouldn’t have social media at such a young age, it’s bad for your mental health. 

Cherish those nights you spend outside till the sunsets and dad yells, “Anna time to come home for dinner!”

Remember the feeling of sand on your feet and ocean water in your hair. 

Remember the excitement of dance recitals and talent shows. 

Don’t be afraid to be different. 

There is no reason to stress over your middle school grades. 

Ask people if you can sit with them at lunch. There is no reason why you should have to sit alone. 

Take a deep breath. 

Sit next to someone new on the first day of school. 

Ask for help when you need it. 

Stop saying “sorry” when it’s not your fault. 

Drink water...not too much though. 

Don’t do something you don’t want to do in order to fit in with the crowd. 

If you’re uncomfortable, use your voice and speak up. 

Get up and leave that sleepover, I know you are not having fun. 

Stop pulling at your hair. 

Remember how excited you felt when you went to the park with your friends in elementary school. 

You don’t need to straighten your hair for it to look nice. 

You are allowed to say “no.” 

Numbers don’t define you. 

Some secrets should be shared. 

You’re not going to be proud of everything you do, and that is okay. 

There is no way you are going to forget some of those memories, but you are going to be able to live and work with them. 

~

These are only a few things I would say. Trust me, I could go on forever. Looking back at some of my past mistakes and memories, it makes me so very grateful to think, “I would have done that or this differently” because that means I am growing and maturing into a better and stronger person. Some moments from my past I will remember forever, and in some cases that is good because they are what built me into the person I have grown to become. Some of those memories I will remember forever, yet I will look back and be upset; however, these moments also built me into the powerful woman I am today.  

Sincerely,

Anna