This article was first published in May 2021.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing. As we grow up, we learn from our mistakes, develop our personalities and discover who we are. If we were to write a letter of advice to our younger self, what would we tell them? What do we know now that we wish we knew then? What have we learned?
For this series of thought-provoking films, we asked eighteen young people to write a letter to their younger selves. This is Dear Younger Me.
Dear younger me.
It's time we talked, right now you're feeling lonely and empty because you're leaving your dearest friends and school life behind, but it's okay because you do keep in touch and you meet new friends at the skate park.
Just to warn you, on results day you're going to be very disappointed, but don't let it stop you. You're going to have to work extra hard because you've got some catching up to do.
Now, pretty soon you're going to start skateboarding and it's going to suck at first because people are going to call you names and you're going to fall a lot. So stick with it because it's going to boost your confidence and help you be more outgoing.
By seventeen you'll realise that you're your pretty creative and don't mind being alone. You're going to start picking up new hobbies like making music and digital art but you have to get over being so self critical and share your work or else no one will know what your art looks like. So believe in yourself and don't worry about the equipment you have, because you are most creative when you're limited. In the next few years you will overcome a lot and blossom into someone amazing, so start believing that and dream big.
P.S. In a few months your favourite artist is going to make an album that will change your life and get you through the first year of college.
You have to get over being so self-critical and share your work, otherwise no-one will know what your art looks like.
Chris had some big changes in his life and was disappointed with his exam results. In this Dear Younger Me, he tells his younger self that he'll make new friends in life. He says to work extra hard after his exam setback and to persevere with his skating, as it will help him gain confidence. He says that he's most creative when he's limited. He tells himself that he'll overcome a lot and blossom into someone amazing, if he believes in himself.
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on the BBC Bitesize Action Line page for young people.
Dear Younger Me: Nathan
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Nathan's letter.
Dear Younger Me: Amy
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Amy's letter.
Dear Younger Me: How letter-writing can help your mental health
Writing a letter to a younger version of you that went through a hard time can really help you - here's how.
