Hey there,
I hope this letter finds you well, wherever you may be on your journey. As I sit down to write to you, my younger self, I’m filled with a sense of nostalgia and reflection. You’re at such an exciting time in your life – full of hopes, dreams, and endless possibilities. But there are a few things I wish I could share with you, a few lessons I’ve learned along the way that might make the road ahead a little smoother.
First and foremost, I want you to know that it’s okay to feel a little lost sometimes. Life is messy, and it doesn’t come with a roadmap. You’re going to encounter moments of doubt, moments of uncertainty, moments when you wonder if you’re on the right path. And that’s okay. Embrace the journey, my dear. Trust that every twist and turn, every bump in the road, is leading you exactly where you need to be.
I know you’ve been told countless times that you’re “mature for your age,” and while that may be true, don’t let it weigh you down. Being responsible is important, but so is embracing the joy of being young. Don’t rush through life trying to check off all the boxes of adulthood. Take your time. Enjoy the ride. And above all else, don’t forget to laugh – at yourself, at the world, at the absurdity of it all.
Oh, the adventures you’re going to have! From spontaneous road trips to late-night conversations that stretch until dawn, your 20s are going to be a whirlwind of excitement and discovery. Embrace every moment, my dear. Say yes to new experiences, even when they scare you. Take risks. Be bold. And never, ever lose sight of the fire that burns within you – the passion, the drive, the unshakeable belief that you can change the world.
But amidst the chaos of youth, don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s easy to get swept up in the thrill of the moment, to push yourself to the limit in pursuit of your dreams. But remember: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. Listen to your body. Rest when you need to. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. You don’t have to do it all alone.
As you navigate the ups and downs of your 20s, you’re going to encounter some rough patches. There will be moments of heartache, moments of disappointment, moments when you feel like you’re drowning in a sea of uncertainty. But here’s the thing: you’re stronger than you realize. You have a resilience within you that’s truly remarkable. So when life knocks you down – and it will – dust yourself off, my dear, and keep moving forward. You’ve got this.
And please, please don’t be in such a rush to grow up. I know it’s tempting to want to have it all figured out – your career, your relationships, your future. But trust me when I say that life is so much more than a checklist. It’s about the journey, the moments, the memories. So take your time. Enjoy being young. And know that it’s okay to not have it all figured out. You’re exactly where you need to be.
As I stand on the cusp of 40, I look back on my 20-something self with a mix of fondness and nostalgia. You were so full of hope, so full of dreams, so full of life. And while the years may have brought their fair share of challenges, they’ve also brought moments of incredible joy and growth. So as you continue on your journey, my dear, remember to cherish every moment – the good, the bad, and everything in between. For it’s in those moments that you’ll discover the true magic of being alive.
xoxo
-S
Diet Coke and Hair-Spray 