Dear Me,

You’ve made it this far, whatever happens next is a bonus. The first experience in life where you have become independent from home has been a tough one, but there has been plenty of enjoyment during your time here too.

I know you’re feeling anxious about your results and what is next for your after your studies, but the next step is whatever you need to do today. The future is important to think about, but so is each day and moment in time.

You have come across both those you love, and those who you do not during this journey. But you have yourself now, and that is one of the most important things to remember. Life happens both when you plan and don’t plan. You have gotten through, survived and flourished, even though it probably does not feel like it at all right now in the final stages of your undergraduate work.

I know how much pressure you put on yourself, but there’s no need to. Yes, have that drive, have the spark and the determination to get where you want. But the unbearable continued pressure that slips onto your shoulders so easily does not need to live with you anymore. I know you will continue to experience this on and off in your life – I do still feel it- but you will learn to notice it more and allow it to slide away much quicker than you realise possible right now.

All those times you were so ashamed of yourself, please forgive yourself. All those times you did something you were not proud of, please forgive yourself. All those times you felt you did not do your best that you could have done in that moment…you get the message. A lot of influence around us encourages us to be bigger, better, stronger and faster at everything we try to do. Actually, having your limits and boundaries is a wonderful thing, and something not to be embarrassed or worried about. People will think what they think of you. You will think what you think of you. And that will change.

Please also remember that you don’t have to have ‘it’ together right now. I am sure this letter sounds very cheesy, everything you have heard before. But I am telling you this because looking back now, I realise the ‘it’ might not be what makes you really happy. And from what I know now, I think you sense intuitively there is more to come, even if that’s not what you expect right now.

I want to end on saying how incredibly proud I am of you for doing what you have. You know you have been through so much from illness, others close to you being ill and not always feeling like you quite fit in. You’re at the final part now. Look after yourself and remember, whatever comes next, you will be able to handle it.

From, Your Future Self