Dear 16 Year Old Me...

I got the inspiration from this post through a Tweet that's currently doing the rounds on Twitter called 'tweet your 16 year old self' and I thought, hmmm, what would I tell my 16 year old self now I'm 24....and I realised it would be far too much to fit in a mere 140 characters. So I thought I'd write my past self a little letter, 16 year old me is going through some tough times....

Dear 16 year old me,

First and foremost, stop listening to the popular kids at school- they have hit their peak and the only way for them is down. Between you and me, most of them are now fat/pregnant/have 5 kids/working menial jobs/depressed anyway, so stop stressing. I know you're going through a really hard time right now, you're currently in the grips of anorexia and are terrified of gaining weight. I want you to know that you do get through this and end up a stronger person because of it. Take mum's advice and see a doctor, but again between the two of us, it's leaving school that really helps you in the end. You go to college and find freedom through fashion, something that surprisingly pulls you out of yourself. You meet a boy and have your first relationship. It's going to be great, but you should know now that it will end and it will hurt. You get over this too and go to uni a different person. You grow in so many different ways and pull yourself out of anorexia once and for all.

Listen to your sister more, I know right now you have nothing in common, but trust me, you're going to be best friends soon. A few of the girls at school you thought you would never talk to become some of your best friends, so keep an open mind. Try and find yourself some better music to listen to, Linkin Park and Stained aren't who you are deep down. I know you think wearing baggy jeans and trying to skate will impress the boys- it wont. Just be you and don't worry, you'll have lots of boys chasing after you in the future...you might even fall in love one day. All I'll say is don't dismiss that tall bearded guy you meet in Quarantine, I know you'll be drunk when you first meet him, but a few years down the line you'll want to remember that face ;)

Take deep breathes and be strong, this is a tough year, but it gets so much better I promise you. Keep writing and keep learning. Keep your head up and don't let the bastards grind you down!! Oh, and invest in some John Freda frizz ease, it will tame your mane :)

Lots of love,

24 year old me Xx

What would you tell your 16 year old self?

(Top Images via We Heart It made into a mosaic here)