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,
do you ever wonder what the future holds, and what you will be?
You're just a young kid with so much soul trying so hard to fit the status quo. A hundred likes or you're not worth it. Everyone thinks you're timid because you're not assertive, just wait and you will see a young British kid fulfilling all their dreams.
I see you go from not being picked on teams to being picked for screens. I see you in the lights seeing sights that you've never seen. The people you'll meet. Yeah you the shy kid, wobbly knees and two left feet. You are bigger than your postcode. Even when they underestimate and move the goalposts. Even when you're feeling lower than the sun goes. Never give up, know yourself. Follow your heart bro.
If you're ever feeling down take a second to breathe, world on your shoulders but no-one else can see. Keep working on yourself and you'll grow like a tree. You can do it all you just have to believe.
Remember when you used to be so worried about trainers. You've got talent, so much talent, don't worry about trainers. You're a star, keep it up and you'll go far. You don't have to fake it, just be who you are. You don't have to have it figured out in just one day, I guess that sort of thing just comes of age. If things get hard, they'll turn out ok just work really hard and you'll end up on stage.
You're smart kid, always rise to the top kid, self sufficient and productive, proficient and a artist. You're going to be a star I can see it is true. Even when the going gets tough you'll always pull through.
You don't think you're cool? I think you're cool. Mate when I'm older I want to be just like you.
You can do it all, you just have to believe.
Donnell was a shy kid with big ambitions. In this Dear Younger Me, which he wrote as a spoken-word piece, he tells his younger self to believe in himself and that he is more than just his postcode. He urges his teenage self not to fake it, just to be himself, and tells him that he doesn't have to have everything figured out all at once.
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: 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.
Dear Younger Me: Kit
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Kit's letter.
