Letter to my teenage self

I warn you now - this week is all about the memes :)

Today's meme comes from Bram @ Connect to the Sky, who got the idea from Perez Hilton. The idea is not only to reflect on how the intervening years have shaped who you are, but also to see if any of the advice you offer your teenage self could be relevant to you right now.

Dear Adriana, age 16,

It's probably making you a little nervous to be reading this, but don't worry, I won't reveal any of the events that filled the 20-year gap between us. That would defeat the purpose of experiencing it all firsthand, no?

Rest assured that many things have happened. Some wonderful. Some terrible. But all important. All yours. You may be tempted to want to erase things from your mind, to pretend they never happened, but just let them be. They have no real power over you.

First of all, you have turned into an extraordinary woman. Don't lift your eyebrows at me, missy, I wouldn't lie to you about these things. You may not feel extraordinary right now, but be patient, you'll find your way, I promise. Just remember these words when the going gets tough.

Some words of comfort from me to you:

• You're swimming against the current. You're making decisions that are unpopular with your parents and friends. You will continue to do this for many years to come, so don't turn back - just become a better swimmer.
• That feeling you have of always being a late bloomer, of always being behind? You're a slow burning flame, baby. Don't rush what can't be rushed and just savour the journey.
  
• There will be plenty of boys, stop worrying.
• Stop the comparisons. No one has it better than you, or worse. We're all in this beautiful mess together.
• Let yourself be surprised. I know it's not a strength of yours, but it's a lovely experience that you don't want to miss out on.
• One day, you will love your body. It won't be perfect, but you're going to love it nonetheless.
  
• Your mother isn't going to change. Love her anyway.
• And lastly, words words words words words.
  

Some of this stuff is hard, I know, and most of it doesn't even make sense right now. I'm still battling with some of it. Important thing to remember is, you're here so make the best of it.

Or should I say, we're here, let's make the best of it...

Love, Adriana, age 36


Foto from flickr.com/photos/postcardsfromhome