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One Entity writer shares a letter to my younger self.

Life has a way of kicking you down.  But you can’t freak out when it seems like nothing is working out how you had imagined it.

I promise you it’s only a bad moment, and you will get through it. You just have to be patient and keep working hard.

This following letter is to inspire and guide a younger version of myself through this crazy adventure called life, something I wish I’d had when I was growing up. Perhaps it can help you.

Body Image

As girls, we are forced to deal with the ever-changing cycle of change. Our bodies are changing and flourishing into womanhood. Then we experience even more change when we have children. So get used to it, and learn how to embrace it, because we are the most adaptable creatures on earth.

Womanhood has its ups and downs. Your breasts will start to grow and for some they will grow larger than for others — and there’s nothing wrong with that. Work with what you are given. Who knows, you might actually like them when you get older, so learn to embrace them.

When I was in fourth grade, a boy made fun of my boobs. I remember him saying, “Wow, those are some big bazookas.” I had just started dealing with menstruation and I remember his comment making me feel very insecure.

I only wanted to wear big sweaters after that. I allowed a stupid comment to get into my head and it changed how I perceived myself and how comfortable I was in my own skin.

What I wish I had realized then is not to let stupid boys or ignorant comments change who you are. And don’t ever let anyone make you feel different.

Your weight IS going to fluctuate. It is what it is. So stop starring at the mirror, and don’t give yourself a complex that’s only going to fill your head with nonsensical body images that aren’t realistic. Learn to take care of your body and love it just the way it is.

I encourage you to seek healthier alternatives; eat healthy, indulge whenever possible, don’t sit on your butt for too long. Get out there and learn to enjoy long walks or hikes. Enjoy mother nature. You’ll find that it’s therapeutic and a way to clear your mind when things get too overwhelming.

School

Do well in school. I know it’s a pain in the ass, and you would rather do a million other things then get your school work done, but in the long run it will help you so much. Your future self will pat you on the back when it’s all done.

School isn’t easy, and it sure as hell is not always fun, but being a girl with an education and a mind of her own will be your greatest investment. Don’t give up!

Mom

Moms have a way of nagging at us and they will nag until they’re tired, but listen to her. She’s one of the most important people in your entire life, and she is committed to guiding you through the best possible path. You may not see it right now, but when you turn 30, you will appreciate it more.

Remember, she sacrificed so much of herself to have you. So respect her always. She knows what’s good for you. But if you are going to rebel, which you probably will, remember that there is a reaction to every action and you will have to suffer some consequences. So always think before you act.

I know it may seem like you have it all figured out, and that you don’t need anyone to tell you what to do. And I want you to know that everyone who gives you their opinion or some form of advice is because they don’t want you make the same mistakes they did.

Instead, you should be glad that these people are looking out for your well-being. Indulge in the wisdom that the grown folks have to share.

Friendships

I have to remind you that some girls will be mean to you, and that’s a given, so accept that now. You’ll learn that not everyone will like you, and that’s okay. The trick is not to let it consume you. Only focus on what’s in your control.

There will be times when the mean girls will exclude you from social outings and make you feel like you’re not “cool enough” to hang out with them, but remember this; you don’t need anyone in your life that doesn’t need you.

Be friends with girls that applaud your accomplishments and encourage you to be better. And you should do the same for them. Surround yourself with friends who care about you and stay away from the girls that criticize other girls for looking different.

The world has enough bullies and we don’t need any more. Be kind to people. Never be too proud to give another girl a compliment. Appreciate the beauty in everyone.

Also, accept the fact that you will outgrow some friendships. Some friends are meant to be around longer than others. Cherish your moments, but understand that people grow up and move on with their lives.

Boys

Sadly, you will experience heartache and it won’t be fun. It will be hard and very sad at times, and you will feel like the world is crashing down on you. When this happens to you, remember it’s a breakup, not the end of the world. And you will survive, and you’ll bounce back from it.

Don’t ever let a boy disrespect you or make you feel like you’re not good enough. You are a beautiful person and with time and experience you will learn that you can be happy without someone in your life. The right person will come into your life and remind you why it never worked out with the other person. And then you’ll laugh it off and you’ll learn and grow from it.

Always respect yourself enough to walk away from a situation that no longer fulfills your heart. Respect your body. Don’t be shy or shamed to talk about sex. Ask questions and always use protection. You are in charge of your body, so protect it at all cost.

Career

My best advice is to find something that you are passionate about. If you want to learn a new skill, get out there and take advantage of your resources to learn that new skill. Do something with your career that makes you feel good and that you actually enjoy doing.

Don’t just settle for a career because that’s what you fell into. Do something that keeps your mind creative. You will sometimes have to do a job that doesn’t fit all of those requirements, but don’t stay there for too long, Oprah once said, “You do what you have to do to be where you want to be.”

I hope through your journey in this thing called life that you take the good with the bad and that you grow and learn from every experience. Tough times are only temporary, but you have to face them with your head held high. You will get through whatever it is that you’re going through.

A wise man once said, “if your problem has a solution, then why do you worry? If your problem doesn’t have a solution, then why worry?” So in other words, don’t worry about fixing every problem in your life all at once. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll see it will all fall into place.

Enjoy every moment. Laugh at the confusion. Allow yourself to cry, but don’t drown in your feelings. Always keep fighting the good fight. Live in your truth and know who you are.

Edited by Kayla Caldwell
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