8. A Letter To Your Past Self

Dear 5 year old self,

Feeling strange for wanting to be adventurous and explore the world around you is something you will find gets easier as you grow older. You’re going to meet some friends now and in a couple of years who you will still keep in touch with and they are precious individuals. What happened with X is not your fault.

Dear 9 year old self,

You listen to The Beatles, Blink 182, Sum 41, Greenday and even Britney Spears (cringe) on your Walkman or CD player during bus rides to and from school. I see you’ve continued playing sports. Badminton, football and basketball. Basketball is particularly awesome, isn’t it? You day dream a lot. Don’t watch too much TV – you’re missing out on some good times with family and friends! You’re going to move to Greece this summer. You’re going to feel very sad and miss your Dad, Riyadh, your friends and the way your life used to be. It’s going to be quite tough to adapt at first, I won’t lie. You won’t fully understand the situation until many years later.. but it really will get better, I promise.

Dear 11 year old self,

It wasn’t your fault. No matter how much you scrub your skin, the touch won’t go away. Things will get easier and you’ll forgive eventually. The white streaks in your hair aren’t something to be ashamed of. You’ll come to accept them and even love them because you will realize they are a part of who you are. By the way, there is a term for the things you are feeling regardless of how hard you’re trying to convince yourself otherwise and justify your attractions.

Dear 15 year old self,

This year is going to be the beginning of the best years of your life. You’re going to find out more about the world around you. You will be in a state of self conflict. You will discover new music and literature. You will make some wonderful memories and meet some important people.

Dear 16 year old self,

You will be in your first ‘’serious’’ relationship this year. You will make mistakes and learn from them. You’re going to go through some changes. You will fall in love for the first time.

Dear 17 year old self,

You are going to have one of the best and chaotic years of your life. You will be overcome with emotion for the most part. You are not going to be able to concentrate on your studies. Art, literature, politics and music will consume you more than ever before. You’re going to start smoking more frequently. You’re going to start hanging out more with a friend with whom you are inseparable now. All I can tell you is to enjoy it while it lasts. I admire your patience and refusal to be bitter – however easy that option may be at the moment.She needs you.. do the right thing. Don’t be hard on yourself. You will miss these years and see that everything happens for a reason.

Dear 18 year old self,

Glasgow, eh? Take in the first taste of independence and unchained uncertainty. This year is going to be full of pleasant surprises. Pink Floyd concert, parties, other gigs, funny nights and life. Smile – there’s more coming.

Love,
Future Marilena