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.
Life is awkward and weird right now, but that is what growing up is all about and it makes for the best adventure. I know you want to grow up and move away from home, but don't be in too much of a hurry.
Self care is important and I don't mean doing a face mask every few months and watching Bridget Jones, I mean actually checking in with yourself.
Allow yourself to feel sad, but also to be happy and joyful, not just that moody teenager.
It's always good to talk, even about the small problems. But sometimes you have to get up and just keep going: being yourself is the best thing you can do even if it means a few bad haircuts and style choices along the way.
Go outdoors as much as possible, it will clear your head. You won't always live in the same place and although your home town feels small and limiting right now, you'll find places to explore and enjoy.
Be brave, it's okay to do things on your own and stray away from your group of friends. You're going to go to some amazing places on your own, like Berlin and Basque and the people you meet on those trips will change your life.
Keep surfing and doing the things you love – it will lead to a brilliant summer job. You have so many things to look forward to: travelling, getting into university and finding an amazing boyfriend, but most of all you'll find your confidence, your style and yourself.
Growing up takes time.
Being yourself is the best thing you can do, even if it means a few bad haircuts and style choices along the way.
20–year–old Hannah grew up in a small town and struggled with confidence. In this Dear Younger Me, she advises her younger self that self-care is important and that she needs to allow herself to be loved. She tells herself that although her home town feels small and limiting, she'll find places to explore and enjoy. She says it's good to talk, even about the small problems and tells her younger self to be brave – it's okay to do things on your own. Hannah signs off her letter by telling her younger self that she'll find her confidence, her style and herself. Growing up takes time, but she has so many amazing things to look forward to.
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: Adam
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Adam's letter.
Dear Younger Me: Chris
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Chris' 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.
