Letter To My Younger Self

Dear Younger Emi,

There are many, many things I could tell you. At the time I’m (or should I say you’re) writing this, you’re living in New York City and going to your dream school. You have the best friends you could have ever hoped for and an incredibly loving and supportive family. But getting here wasn’t an easy road. Trust me, I should know. Here’s the best advice I could give you, from you.

First and foremost, don’t stress things too much (spoiler alert, you’re currently still working on this one). Most of the things you find detrimental right now are not that important in the grand scheme of things. I probably couldn’t even remember any of the things you’re stressing about right now, which just goes to show they’re not that life changing. There are some things worth worrying about, but don’t drive yourself crazy. Everything will work out. Mom says that everything in life has a solution. She’s right. She always is.

Don’t worry about what other people think of you. The people whose opinions matter know the real you. Everyone else, whether they say things about you or judge you, it doesn’t matter in the slightest. They’re actually taking time out of THEIR day thinking about you and talking about you. Take it as a compliment; you’re just that important that they want to spend their down time thinking about you.

If someone leaves your life, don’t sweat it. You’ll lose friends, your crushes won’t always like you back, you’ll have fall outs with people, and it’s all okay. Sometimes things just don’t work out and even though things may seem like a disaster in the moment, the storm will pass and you’ll be okay. Better than okay. If someone leaves your life, they may just not fit into your life and that’s okay. Let things happen as they will and you’ll see things will fall into place.

Never, ever, change who you are. Don’t let others tell you who you should or shouldn’t be, what you should or shouldn’t wear, and what you should or shouldn’t think. People will give you advice and that’s great, it can be really helpful. But at the end of the day make sure you’re making decisions that make YOU happy and that benefit YOU. Don’t let others influence you to the point where you lose sight of yourself. Cause, not to brag or anything but you’re pretty cool as it is, if I do say so myself.

Stand up for yourself. You’re still struggling with this one too, but that’s okay; it’s a work in progress. Stand up for yourself when you need to, even if that means confrontation (which I know you hate). Don’t be afraid to be assertive and don’t let people walk all over you. Especially people who you think you can’t stand up to for whatever reason, you can stand up for yourself. But, always be respectful. Unless they don’t deserve respect. In that case, to hell with it.

I could go on, for quite some time really, but these are the most important pieces of advice I could give you at this point and time. This is all the advice I wish I had heard, and taken, when I was your age. Some of it I still need to follow today. Just remember to love those around you, love yourself, and have fun.

Love always,

Present-Day Emi

Originally published September 9, 2020.