Dear younger me: A letter from the future!

Hi there 16 year old me! It’s me, well technically it’s you, just with a few more years of life experience under my belt. I know you’re in the thick of it right now navigating the chaos that is being 16. You’ve got college, friendships, boys and a whole lot of uncertainty swirling around in that head of yours. So I thought I’d drop you a line and share a few things I’ve learned since then. Spoiler alert: It’s all going to be okay!

You might feel like you don’t quite fit in but that’s a good thing. You are special. Don’t waste time trying to mould yourself into someone you’re not just to fit in with a crowd. You won't be friends with the people that you hang out with now in the future, they will have moved on with their life just like you will. Those people you distanced your self from at school and college because they were not cool are your people. In fact you are still friends with them now in 2025!! 

Stop choosing boys over the most important thing in life now. College! Boys will come and go but those relationships don't last. Think long and hard about what you give up for boys. Stick with college, you enjoy it and despite not really liking kids at the moment you were good with them. There will be plenty of time for love when you are older.

You’re going to hear a lot about having a “plan” and knowing exactly what you want to do with your life but guess what nobody really has it all figured out. I'm in my mid 40's which you think is a proper grown up but I sometimes don't have a clue what I'm doing. I feel like I am winging life some days. I have had a plan many times which hasn't worked out, sometimes winging it isn't that bad!

I know you’re not the biggest fan of stepping out of your comfort zone. You like to play it safe but some of the best things in life come from taking risks. Apply for that job, even if you don’t think you’ll get it, make sure you chat to that lad online in about 25 years even when you think a long distance relationship won't work, speak up, even when your voice shakes and try that pizza, one day you will eat cheese again after it causing you the most terrible migraines for so long! 

Listen to our dad! Save, save, save! You don't think it at the moment but dad has some great advice to give, especially when it comes to money. You have had some tricky times with money when dad has bailed you out but it will all work out in the end thanks to his advice. Stop buying takeaways and having too many nights out. They really aren't worth it. Top tip for in a couple of years: Stop taking your shoes off on the walk home from the club, there's always glass on the ground! Oh and while I am sharing some tips about nights out try Rose wine sooner, you'll love it even if now you think it's a fancy drink!!

Speaking of dad, when he is giving you driving lessons there will be a time when you both end up shouting at each other after seeing your friend walking by and nearly crashing the car! Don't give up! One of my biggest regrets now is giving up learning to drive and not passing my driving test. There will be days when relying on public transport is more of a pain in the bum then it is now. You won't always live in the city centre.

Sometimes it feels like your family just doesn’t get you. The arguments, the misunderstandings, the feeling that you’re living on different planets but beneath all that they love you more than you realise. Try to cut them some slack and remember that they’re in your corner even when it doesn’t feel like it. Dad will be there for you just like you will be there for him too, mam not so much. She makes some choices which changes everything in our family. You and your dad will get through it and be closer because of it.

You are fit and healthy now and still are but in the future when you think something isn't right when it comes to yours or your families health push for a 2nd opinion. Those who should be the experts are not always right, sometimes they might miss something like a little hole in someone's heart.

I know you’re a strong person but even the strongest among us need a break sometimes. It’s okay to seek help when you’re struggling. There’s no shame in asking for help, now there isn't. I know back when you are 16 we were told to just get on with things. You should ask for it when you need it instead of waiting until things come to a head and your brain is scrambled. You will always be a worrier but don't let those worries grind you down!

So, that’s it just a little advice from your future self. I’m proud of you and me, even if I don’t say it enough. You’re stronger and braver than you realise and you’re going to do amazing things. Life has its ups and downs but I promise you it’s a beautiful journey. Take care of yourself, have a little fun, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

With love and a whole lot of hindsight,

Your Future Self.