December 30, 2008
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Listen up, little girl.
Dear Jen,I’ve thought long and hard about what I wanted to say to you, and here’s what I’ve come up with:
Don’t change a thing.Live your life. You have huge things in store for you, dear. Don’t be afraid to go for it, and go big. Even the smallest victories will have huge dividends in the end.
Don’t write off college. I know this sounds like a weird idea now, since you’ve been planning on going your whole life, but you’ll try to walk away from your dream. DON’T. It’s not worth it.
Yes, you’re going to screw up. It’ll be hard and you’ll hurt for a long time, but I’ll tell you this much: you’ll get through it. Never give up on life … I never did.
Don’t count on the future you’re imagining right now. Being only seventeen, I know you’re brushing my advice to the side, but listen to me: this is not what you really want. He is not what you need. You won’t realize it for another few years, but you are so much better than this. You deserve more. You are a beautiful person, and any man would be lucky to love you. It’s just not him.
Listen to your family. Last year’s divorce was hard on you and your brother, I know. But you two are a product of the love your parents once shared. They are wise beyond all reason, and will be there for you no matter what. Don’t shut them out, and they’ll be there for you always.
Speak up. You’ve always been timid, but now’s the time to speak your mind. You have a lovely voice, so use it.
Enjoy the small things. You’re pretty laid back now, but one day you’ll find yourself running in fifteen different directions. Just stop, breathe and carry on. Stay focused and on task, but know when it’s time to step away for some “you” time. I’ve been struggling with this, so if you learn anything from my experiences, it’s THIS.One day, you’ll meet a fabulous man. Don’t try looking for him, because he won’t show up until you stop looking. Things will be tough, but this man will bring an air of simplicity to your life. Embrace it. Embrace him. You’ll try to give up, but he won’t let you. Be thankful for him every day.
I absolutely love where my life is right now, and despite the years of pain and frustration, I wouldn’t change a thing. Sure, there are things I “regret”, but I wouldn’t advise you to do anything different. Those things have made us who we are now. Good luck, Jen. I love you.
Love,
An older, “wiser” you
*inspired by Millsanicole’s post—go check it out!
Comments (54)
har har har har im 17 lulz
so in contrast to your advice to yourself, im gonna have to start looking harder? oh dear ._.
I am so happy that you have a great life and are living your dreams! You are very fortunate and a positive influence on this site!
Your positive outlook is always so refreshing, Jen! Love you!!!!!
Wonderful!
If we only could write that letter to our younger self for real! I would have quite a long one.
This is adorable
:):)
You are so positive, it’s inspiring!
See, I really need to write one of these letters. Hindsight is amazing, ain’t it?
Great!
Wow.. lovely post!
I like this
lol. reminds me of the brad paisley song
Wow. You kind of looked like Molly Ringwald back then. You looked a lot older then than you do in your new photos. That’s funny.
Fabulous!
I pretty much decided that if I was ever to write one to my younger self, it would basically said to NOT GIVE UP! I wouldn’t encourage myself to change anything because all of those life lessons and mistakes made me who I am today.
Fabulous! I hope she listens to you hehe
Good one! I love that you posted a picture of yourself at 17, I might scare people with my picture. haha
age has enhanced your beauty, you know that [and probably your wisdom as well]? :]
This is nice. =] It’s encouraging to me, either because I am 17 or just because there is someone on here who can have a positive outlook on life. Thank you for that.
@watersedge62 - @Millsanicole - @ShimmerEnShyne -
@casmarie - @jewelianna2008 - @AlterEgo909 - @violetlovesyou -
@TheCheshireGrins - Thank you so much! I thought this would be fairly difficult to write, but hindsight being what it was, this was surprisingly easy. I’m glad you all enjoyed it.
@MyxlDove - 20/20, every time.
@Viewtiful_Justin - LOL, Molly Ringwald? That’s definitely not the first time I’ve heard it, but it makes me smile each time.
And I agree with you, I DID look older then than I do now. CRAZY.
@cre13 - Those are definitely words to live by.
@SnippiesBlog - Haha, I’ve been waiting for the disappearing act all morning … looks like she stayed on the “right” path. (LOL, Alex said I should have told her to eat less cookies.)
@iStephanieMarie - I highly doubt that—you’re beautiful!
@elelkewljay - Aww, thank you! I wish I was still my 10-years-ago size, but I think I grew into my awkwardness (and my brain).
@Michele9109 - You’re so welcome. 17 is a weird age (who am I kidding … ALL teenage years). But you’ll get through it all … just give it a few years, and NEVER GIVE UP!
so you’ve ALWAYS had good hair. you could have been on Saved By the Bell back in the day.
they DO show up when you stop looking. i agree… even though the process isn’t complete for me, yet. hm.
@TheBigShowAtUD - I was on SBTB and it was rockin’ … But to answer the more pressing question: yes, Screech IS a dreamboat in person.
Wow you looked so different! This was a great note to yourself, your so optimistic.
That picture is great!!! If I may be so bold – how old are you now?
don’t we ALL wish we knew then what we know now?
@SorrowAndSong - I’m 26 and a half
less cookies? oh hell no!
Your beautiful! <3
You tricked me by changing the title! Arg.
@casmarie -
But you love me still, right?
@BarelyJen - Throw in one of those brownies and it’s a deal.
@casmarie - heh, you can have the whole PAN full!
@BarelyJen - Sweet! You’re awesome again! lol
Optimism. I always admire it.
Hurray!!! This post is totally awesome!! So optimistic, so full of life! Just exactly what a teenager should be!! Oh,how I wish I could turn back the clock.
This is great. I wrote one and I’m only 20, but I wanted to write it to my 14 year old self.
@BarelyJen - If I write to my 17 year old self I am writing back 23 years in the past – and I would tell him DO NOT GO ON THAT BLIND DATE IN 1992!
Happy New Year. Judi
It’s so cool seeing the advice people would give their younger selves. It’s almost like those letters they make you write in school that they pass up to your teachers for graduation so you can see where you were. And, some of the advice can apply to other people who are that age.
Wow… it’s great that you actually figure nothing should change. No regrets. Kudos.
haha… i think the background is supposed to be your wedding photo but all i see are your boobs down.
The flowers are gorgeous!!
Not only creative, but useful too. Now whenever you figure out how to go in the past and deliver the message to yourself, can I kindly come along? I want to slap a few people in the past, find an old stuffed animal, and buy several thousand dollars in stock of Microsoft. My bag is already packed.
i wish i knew all that ten years ago …=)
I just realized that you have an A on your wall!!! could it be a sign that you absolutely LOVE ME?!?!?!?! LOL
Aww this is so cute
I am not quite old enough to make one for my self but this reminds me of Pink’s “Conversations With My 13 Year Old Self”
And that is an amazing song.
I should do something like this. I might on my birthday this year…
What a great post, I think it’s really interesting to write letters to ourselves not just in the past, but in the future, as well.
You haven’t changed a bit! Good post, btw. (thanks for the friend request)
please help…me famous one
I like both version of you. Both seem wise in their own right. If I did the same “before and after” thing mine would be “wise” and “wise-ass” (sadly). Some of us grow up and some… HAPPY NEW YEAR – talk again soon!
Ooh, tell her I said hey.
This is very touching. Thanks for writing it, and thanks for adding me.
Russ
loved this post.
HI