For some reason this morning I decided to go back and look at pictures from my senior year of high school. The good times, and the bad, and as I was looking through them, I started getting a little bit sad. Not because I miss high school, but just because I miss the friendships, the carelessness. Shedrick, Cynthia. Riding to school every day with my best friend. Slacking off so bad that I almost failed a class, coming out of my shell...so many things that four years has made me forget about.
I've seen this done before, but as I looked through my pictures, it really struck a chord. I realized that I wanted to write a letter to my 18 year old self.
I've seen this done before, but as I looked through my pictures, it really struck a chord. I realized that I wanted to write a letter to my 18 year old self.
Dear 18 year old Jamie,
I know this may seem a little strange, but if you've ever heard the saying 'If I only knew then what I know now...', & wished it were true, you may want to keep reading.
You are about to go through a lot of changes, and while at the time, you may think your life is over, it will only make you stronger. Trust me.
Stop letting people run all over you. You have got to stand up for yourself, or they will make your life miserable. Don't let it happen.
Look in the mirror long and hard, and realize how beautiful you really are. You're so young, fit, and vibrant. There is nothing for you to be so self-conscious about.
When things take a nasty turn, look for a healthy out-let of your emotions/frustrations. Don't turn to bad habits.
Yes, he's gone. No, you didn't get to say good bye, and it is going to be very hard to deal with for a long time, but I promise that you will gain peace. You will think about him every single day, but once you realize that he's in a better place, you will be okay.
And Yes, she's gone, too. And as hard as it is to avoid, do not let yourself get depressed about it. Sure, you'll wonder why your friends keep getting taken away, but in the end you will learn to live in the moment, and appreciate the ones you do have. Don't relapse.
Love doesn't always stay the same. Just like the seasons, it can change in an instant. Be ready. No matter what happens, just know it will all be okay. And in the mean time, do NOT fall for any long-haired, pot-head, ex-military, hippy wanna-be's. Okay?
Other than that, just live. Don't lock yourself up in your room all the time by yourself. All your friends might be off somewhere far away, but go out and make new ones. They will make the time pass by quicker. Never give up. Paint more, read more, and go exploring.
Sincerely,
Jamie [circa 2009]
P.S. You should really work on your temper. Just sayin.
I know this may seem a little strange, but if you've ever heard the saying 'If I only knew then what I know now...', & wished it were true, you may want to keep reading.
You are about to go through a lot of changes, and while at the time, you may think your life is over, it will only make you stronger. Trust me.
Stop letting people run all over you. You have got to stand up for yourself, or they will make your life miserable. Don't let it happen.
Look in the mirror long and hard, and realize how beautiful you really are. You're so young, fit, and vibrant. There is nothing for you to be so self-conscious about.
When things take a nasty turn, look for a healthy out-let of your emotions/frustrations. Don't turn to bad habits.
Yes, he's gone. No, you didn't get to say good bye, and it is going to be very hard to deal with for a long time, but I promise that you will gain peace. You will think about him every single day, but once you realize that he's in a better place, you will be okay.
And Yes, she's gone, too. And as hard as it is to avoid, do not let yourself get depressed about it. Sure, you'll wonder why your friends keep getting taken away, but in the end you will learn to live in the moment, and appreciate the ones you do have. Don't relapse.
Love doesn't always stay the same. Just like the seasons, it can change in an instant. Be ready. No matter what happens, just know it will all be okay. And in the mean time, do NOT fall for any long-haired, pot-head, ex-military, hippy wanna-be's. Okay?
Other than that, just live. Don't lock yourself up in your room all the time by yourself. All your friends might be off somewhere far away, but go out and make new ones. They will make the time pass by quicker. Never give up. Paint more, read more, and go exploring.
Sincerely,
Jamie [circa 2009]
P.S. You should really work on your temper. Just sayin.
7 comments:
i loved pretty much every word in this post. But my favorite part was the temper thing, haha.
And you forget to put guitar playing douches. Never forget those guys.
nice letter....I too recently went thru my high school pics....and I am so older than you, it brought back many memories....
LMAO. Yea don't fall for the potheads. My bachelorette party wouldn't have been the same without him & his friend there though! haha.
This was one of the best posts I've read in a long, long time. You're so wonderful, dear lady. Twenty four year old me will be taking ALL of the advice to your eighteen year old self.
Just wonderful. I heart you so much!
This was just such a wonderful post :) Enjoy the rest of the weekend :)
One of the teachers in our high school said that she would mail us letters 10 years from when we wrote them if we wanted to... but I was too lazy to write it.
This is such a great idea! I loved your letter...especially the part about not falling for ex-military pot-head hippies. Very good advice.
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