Amanda over at Shamelessly Sassy wrote an awesome post yesterday and she's invited folks to do their own letter. Go check out what she originally wrote.
Dear 18-year-old Colleen,
Whatever you do - just shut up and GO TO COLLEGE and worry about how you're going to pay for it later! It will be the best experience of your life, and everyone knows you can take 100 years to pay off student loans if you want to.
That boyfriend you have now? He's the biggest piece of cluster-f*** garbage and even YOU know you're too good for him. He's really not going to kill himself if you leave him like he says he will. Trust me when I say its just a power play and he really has no other cards left. Oh, he'll hang by his fingertips from your third story balcony, but when you walk away with tears in your eyes and don't look back? Well, that'll finally get through to him.
There's a reason you've majorly (yet secretly) crushed on Jay for all these years. Good things come to those who wait, you know. He's the only guy you've ever been gaga over for a real reason. If you're not gettin' what I'm tellin' you yet, just keep in mind it WON'T be a one night stand like you think it will. People can change - IF they want to.
That family you always wished you were a part of growing up? Well, it'll take a LOT of work, but that will be your own family one day. You'll have cute kids and a great hubby, all wrapped up with a nice home and a wonderful job. I tell you these things to lift your spirits, to help drag you from that depression that's been gripping you for years.
Let go of the fact that other kids are given things that you have to work your arse off for. You're doin' pretty damn good for yourself, considering your life up until this point, and eventually those kids will be in the real world, unprepared for the hard work that life actually requires. Don't forget those kids can learn lessons, too, so don't write them off, either. They can change and be worthy of your friendship and time.
My advice? Write till your heart heals. Draw and paint and take pictures without ceasing. Do all the things your soul loves. And never give them up. For anyone, for any reason. Never forget what makes Colleen C-O-L-L-E-E-N.
And stop thinking you're so awkward. People really do like you for YOU. You really aren't goofy looking, your boobs aren't too small and your legs are pretty friggin' terrific. (Trust me, they do make pants for women in a 33" inseam. And your abs won't ever look like that again. EVER.) Don't try to change who you are for other people. I know this falls on deaf ears right now, but trust me. I know what I'm talkin' about!
Much love,
30-year-old Colleen
Did you write a flashback post this week? Any kind'll do - link up! Click for more details.
14 comments:
This is great. Particularly since you said clusterfuck. I love that. :) Thanks for the linkage!
That was lovely. If only your 18 year old self could read it. Now if only your boys will believe you when you offer similar advice and praise as their mother. They're lucky you are their mom.
I love this, Colleen!
There's so much I would love to tell my own 18yo self.
I'm thinking I might do this on my birthday next month, and also write a letter to my 54 yo self (seeing as how I'm nearly halfway between the two now).
Thanks! :D
So, so true. But would my 18 year old, think I know it all self, listen?
I wrote a letter to myself on my birthday last year. I really liked doing it and may have to do it again, though I might write a letter to my kid self instead of my teen self.
I wanted to let you know I'm passing an award on to you. You can check my post today for the details, but please don't think you HAVE to accept and pass it on. It's strictly just for fun.
i LOVE this letter! I think it's a great idea and just love the way you wrote it.
Now if only someone had a time machine to help you deliver it, right?
Have a great day!
Oh to be so wise when we're young and hawt...
Love the letter Colleen. You've come so far from where you started. Congrats on overcoming great odds and becoming the woman you are today. Sometimes we just need to let go because not everything can be fixed no matter how hard we try.
I loved this; I did one, too, from Shamelessly Sassy's post-hasn't it been neat?
I love these posts! I wish I could do one myself but I'd have to leave many things out as my entire family reads my blog. I was pretty fu**ed up back then. I wouldn't mind sharing these things with my bloggy friends....but family?....that's a different story.
Terrific letter! I enjoyed it and might try one myself.
C~
Great letter to your old self. One of my favorite sayings - and mostly it's totally true - is that I wish I knew then what I know NOW! :) But that's how we learn I guess - and it gives us time to get over the fact that our parents may be kinda knew a few things.
k.
I'm with Amanda. I love the use of cluster f*ck. It just rolls. I saw when she did this the other day. I have no idea what I'd say to myself.
I LOVE this letter - great post! I think I might do one too and save it for my daughter to read when she hits her teenage years.
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