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.
Right now the big bad world seems so scary, but let me tell you; you've got this.
Growing up is hard, people will try to tell you how to be, what to wear and how to act.
It's important you learn which opinions matter to you and which you should ignore. Over the next few years you will live, laugh and love – you will overcome many obstacles and you will help others to face their challenges too.
Soon you will join the youth club. This will provide you with a safe space to go. It will help you to grow in confidence, meet new people and most importantly, it will show you your worth.
There will be times when you feel worried or overwhelmed; talk to someone. Your parents and youth workers are there to help. When others are being pessimistic, be focused, work for your goals and let nothing stand in your way.
You will do well at A-Level and get on to your dream course. But most importantly, you will find happiness in the choices you make and embrace your mistakes. Right now, your parents can get on your nerves, but as you get older, you'll begin to appreciate everything they do. So just cut them some slack, maybe!
Do things that scare you, when you face your fears you will realise who you really are. One day you will look around and realise you have the most amazing friend group, the most loving parents and the most caring support network behind you. Be you. Look after yourself and others, just enjoy life, your life. You only get one.
From your older, wiser self.
P.S. Maybe don't spend quite as much money on clothes and shoes.
You will find happiness in the choices you make, and embrace your mistakes.
In this Dear Younger Me, Adam looks back at how his time at a youth club helped him to grow in confidence and showed him his worth. He tells his younger self that he'll learn a lot as he grows: he'll learn to open up more, to focus on his goals and to enjoy life.
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: Caolan
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Caolan's letter.
Dear Younger Me: Kit
If you wrote a letter to your younger self, what would it say? This is Kit'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.
