To My Past Self

Yesterday I thought it would be fun to have my students write a letter to their future selves. Today I think it would be fun to write to their past self.

If you knew then what you know now, what would you tell your past self?

I remember thinking things were the end of the world when I was younger but it wasn’t. As a more mature person, I can see things from a different perspective.

Here is my advice to my past self:

• Mistakes that seem like they are the worst thing that could happen, really aren’t.
• Don’t worry so much about what others are thinking because they probably aren’t even thinking about you.
• Get outdoors more. It helps you appreciate the world around you.
• Make wise friendships. You don’t need a lot of friends, just good friends.
• Friends who give you ultimatums really aren’t your friends.
• Notice who stays close to you and helps you during the tough times. They are your real friends.
• Be kind to everyone, even those you don’t like. You don’t know what their life is like.
• Don’t be so quick to judge people. Again, you don’t know what their life is like.
• Don’t think you know everything. You don’t.
• Appreciate your parents more. You will realize how important they are when you no longer have them.
• Keep in touch with good friends. You will be glad you did many years later.

What advice would you give your past self? Please share.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash