A Heartfelt Letter to My Teen Self
Dear Teen Me,
I know you’re having a hard time being you. You’re an awkward teenager with low self-esteem. Your school treats you like a factory product and considers you a “defective item.” You have above-average grades, but it’s among the lowest in your over-achieving class. To make things worse, you feel like a misfit among your friends with interests different from theirs.
But guess what? It will get better a few years from now. You will be a techie with a beautiful family. You’re going to become a loved author like you dreamed. You’ll always be bubbling with ideas for new novels for your lovely daughter. So hang in there and remember the following things.
1. You’re not a “defective item.”
You may not have perfect grades, but you’re not dumb. Don’t listen to your teachers who call you that. Your peers are smart; however, you aren’t any less. Focus on learning from them. If they demean you, ignore them. You don’t need them at all. Believe in yourself and you will be fine.
2. You’re different. Embrace it.
You don’t need to like the same things as your classmates to be friends with them. It’s okay that you’re not interested in dating and have never had a crush. Nothing is wrong with you. It’s perfectly fine that you like wildlife, books, traveling, and spending time with your parents. And that you’re not a fan of parties or shopping. It does not make you boring.
You’re you. And you’re enough. Embrace it.
3. You did the right thing by speaking out against abuse.
When your teacher crossed a line, you did the right thing by speaking out. Even if they didn’t believe you or your friend. And they said you are girls and need to endure it. Even if they said you must keep such things to yourself because you’ll be blamed. In the future, a few people will continue to speak nonsense like this. But most will support you and stand with you. And you will write an impactful novel about fighting against abuse.
4. Don’t be ashamed of your body
So what if you’re a little curvy? It’s alright if you don’t look like magazine models. People will comment on your appearance no matter what. Three years ago, you were skinny, and they had a problem with that. And now, you’ve put on a little weight, but they still humiliate you. Don’t go on dangerous diets to please anyone. It’s not worth it. Be happy in your skin.
5. Don’t be afraid to speak your mind.
Your friends like you when you’re polite and sweet. But they disapprove when you voice your opinions. They stop talking to you and exclude you from fun plans. Stop hanging out with them. Real friends agree to disagree. If there are arguments, you talk it out together and reconcile. You don’t have to walk on eggshells around your close buddies. You can just be yourself.
I know being a teenager is hard, but you’ve got this. Work hard, believe in yourself, and take care of yourself. You’ll be fine. And trust me, you will miss those carefree days of lesser responsibilities when you’re an adult. So have fun when you’re young. And remember, you define what’s fun for you. Don’t let anyone else decide what makes you happy.
What would you say in your letter to your teen self? Let me know in the comments.
