Dear Younger Me,
Updated: Sep 24, 2020
I recently heard the song Dear Younger Me by MercyMe and it got me thinking about what I would tell my younger self if I had the chance, this letter is what I would say.
Dear Younger Me,
There is so much that I want to tell you, but honestly, I don’t quite know where to start. Part of me wants to go straight to the “face palm” moment and tell you not to do that stupid thing you are about to do. Another part of me wants to jump right into all the things you should definitely do. Still another part of me wants to warn you about specific people to avoid.
I think I’ll start with this:
DEAR YOUNGER ME, DON’T GROW UP TOO QUICKLY.
I know it seems like you’re pretty old now. It seems like you have experienced a lot of life and seen a lot of things. The truth is, you have probably seen and experienced more than your fair share. But don’t let it age you.
Be patient.
Don’t settle for average. Average grades. Average friends. Less than average boys.
Oh, younger me, if you could only see the amazing plans that are coming for you, you would know that you still have time to grow up. Enjoy the ride. Don’t rush it.
Take your time to figure out what you want in life, don't make rash decisions about school, life or even friends.
DEAR YOUNGER ME, DON’T LET ANYONE ELSE TELL YOU WHO YOU SHOULD BE.
All your life, there will be people telling you what you should do, what you shouldn’t do, and who you should be. Take advice and wise counsel from people who love you.
Trust your parents. They love you, even if it seems that they don’t always understand.
But don’t allow negative people to sneak into your life. Don’t give them that power. They don’t have your best interests in mind. Trust me you will know what I am talking about when it happens :(
DEAR YOUNGER ME, DON’T BE AFRAID.
This is one that you are going to struggle with. I wish I could tell you that it will get easier, but the truth is, it won’t. At least, it hasn’t yet. But living in fear is one of those things that compounds. The longer you do it, the more fearful you become. And you know what? It never helps. It never solves anything.
I know, I know. This is easy to say and so much harder to do.
But try to learn to face your fears rather than become buried beneath them. Yes you will go through hell unfortunately and you have been dealt some crap cards of life but you will kick ass and make it through as a even stronger person. Don't let fear of judgment get in the way of getting the help you need, for anything.
DEAR YOUNGER ME, YOU ARE WORTH SO MUCH MORE THAN YOU THINK YOU ARE.
All your life, you have struggled with your self-worth, wondering if you really are good enough, if you will really amount to anything.
You are.
And you will.
Trust me.
Your whole life is not ruined because of that bad test in the fifth grade. You aren’t worthless because the boy in third grade called you ugly. You aren’t a failure because you burned that cake (and believe me, you will burn many more).
I want to encourage you to stop looking all over the place for your sense of purpose. You aren’t going to find what you are looking for. Please don’t fall into the trap of looking to your test scores, popularity or love life for your self-worth. No matter how many A’s you get, how many friends you have, or how many boys like you, it will not change you how you feel deep down inside.
Don’t give in.
DEAR YOUNGER ME, YOU REALLY CAN DO THIS LIFE THING.
Yes, it is hard. It is crazy and can be messy. There will be days when you wonder why you are even here.
But it is so worth it.
Don’t give up when you’ve just gotten started.
Life has amazing plans for you. You will do mighty things. Powerful things. I admit, I’m still figuring out what those things all are, but every day the picture just a little bit clearer. Hold out for that.
Don’t let pain destroy your heart. Don’t become jaded and closed. Instead, love like crazy. Pour out love on everyone you can. Be vulnerable. Be open. Take risks. Your heart will be broken, and so will your trust. But do not, I repeat, do not allow your heart to harden.
Younger me, give yourself love in the difficult times. You are too hard on yourself. Set goals and have high expectations. Hard times will come, and it will feel like tears are your only option. But laugh as much as possible. It really is the best medicine.
Just keep on keeping on.
Love,
Your Future Self
I hope you enjoyed today's post. Have you ever thought about what you would say to your younger self if you had the chance?
See you next time :)