Looking back: a letter to my younger self

Hey there, you beautiful, clueless, slightly over-plucked-eyebrowed wonder. This is a letter to my younger self – one filled with love, hard-earned wisdom, and a few laughs along the way.

It’s me – or rather, it’s you, from the future. I’m writing to you from the grand and glorious age of midlife, and wow, do I have some things to share. 

So put down the glitter eyeliner (it’s not the vibe you think it is), make a cup of tea and listen up.

You didn’t go to university – and that’s okay

For years, you’re going to carry around this sneaky little gremlin whispering that you’re less-than because you don’t have a university degree. That gremlin is full of crap, kick it to the curb.

One day (soon), you’ll realise that your worth isn’t measured by a piece of paper. Experience, grit, and showing up every day count for far more. Trust me on this one – you’ll build a solid career and a life you’re proud of, and it’ll have nothing to do with student loans or lecture theatres.

Experience, skill and happiness cannot be measured with a few letters after your name. The way you make people feel counts for far more than any degree could. So set aside that burden and keep moving forward.

Stop being so hard on your body

You’ll spend far too much time poking, prodding, and sighing at your reflection. But, here’s the thing: your body isn’t the problem. Society’s ridiculous expectations are.

Feeling strong and healthy is far better than looking a certain way.

One day, you’ll look back at pictures of yourself and think, “Wow, I was gorgeous and had no idea.” So go ahead and wear the bikini, eat the cake, and maybe do a squat or two – not to shrink yourself, but because your legs deserve to feel strong.

Oh, and enjoy your perky boobs while you have them!

Looking back: The “right path” doesn’t exist

Oh, sweet summer child. You’re going to worry about finding the right path, as if it’s a neatly paved road waiting for you to stroll down. It is not.

It’s more like a poorly marked hiking trail with lots of wrong turns, some significant boulders to negotiate, and a few scrapes to suffer along the way. But guess what? The detours will teach you more than the straight path ever could. 

Your journey is uniquely yours. So, own it. Say yes to opportunities, even if they scare you. Especially if they scare you. You’re stronger than you think.

Not everyone is meant to stay

Let’s pause and talk relationships. Not everyone who walks into your life is meant to stay.

Some people are here for a lifetime, others for a season. Cherish the ones who see you, really see you, and let go of those who don’t. Friendship isn’t about quantity; it’s about quality.

And yes, there’ll be a few heartbreaks, but don’t worry – you’ll come out of them stronger, sassier, and with a killer playlist. (By the way, a playlist is like a mixtape, but … get this … on your phone! I know! You’re going to love it so much.)

Also, dogs don’t live nearly long enough, so prepare yourself for some heartbreak.

Stop buying cheap shoes

Please, for the love of Dog, stop buying those cheap shoes! Your future feet are begging you.

You’ll never lose your love of sneakers (there is no such thing as too many pairs), but you need to start saving your money now. I know it’s boring and feels impossible, but Future You will be forever grateful when there’s a cushion to fall back on.

And don’t worry so much about having the shiny new toy or the best brand of something. It won’t make you happy. Joy isn’t found in bigger, better, shinier things and the right people won’t judge you by the things you own.

Thank you for being you

Thank you for being bold enough to dream, even when you doubted yourself. You are a brave chick who has boldly marched through so many different phases, and I’m so proud of you.

You set the foundation for everything I am now. Sure, you made some questionable choices (we’re not discussing the summer of 1998), but every single one led to this version of us. And she’s pretty damn awesome (if I do say so myself).

One last thing

Hug our Dad for me. I miss him more than I can put into words. Brace yourself, because saying goodbye to him will almost break you.

With love and a glass of red wine (you’ll develop great taste in that, by the way).

Midlife You x