Guest Blogger Chelsie Charmed: Letter to My Younger Self

I was told that writing a letter to my younger self can be a therapeutic way to put things into perspective and move on.  Anyone with a tough childhood could probably benefit from this and having dealt with addiction and being a child of an addict, I thought this was perfect for me.  So I wrote a letter with all the important advice I would have given myself around the time my parents split up, which would have been when I was about 10 years old.

Dear Me,

I know life can be hard and people suck sometimes but learn to forgive and remember no one's perfect. No, seriously you really need to remember that your future relationships will be way more enjoyable if you do.  

Try not to be so angry, Mom really is trying. Forgive her for leaving Dad; some people aren't meant to be together forever.  Dad will get over it; it isn't your job to take care of him.  Mom’s attempted suicide isn't your fault; don't let anyone tell you differently.

Your first love will stay in your heart for a long time. Your time together will always be magical--like you guys connect on a different level--but trust me, you guys aren't compatible long term; your goals are just too different.  Don't sell yourself short; you don't need to do anything you don't want to just to impress someone.  Trust me, you'll have guys lining up either way.  

Learn to say no; you'll be way happier once you do.  Keep in touch with your friends.  Don't give up your social life just because you're in a relationship.  You'll regret it.  Spend more time with your family; you'll miss them once they're gone.  

People care and notice you a lot more than you think. You're a smart, beautiful, fun person; be more confident and love yourself. 

Finally, don't take any moment for granted. You know all those struggles and difficult situation?  Well, you'll actually miss them in 10 years.  Not the hard parts, of course, but all the good times happening right in the middle.  You're only young once so make the best of it and enjoy as much of it as you can.

PS. Keep this letter with you and read it often.

Yours truly,

Future you ;)


Writing this list was way more difficult than I thought it would be. Although advice from my older self might have made my life easier, I wouldn't be the person I am today without my mistakes and struggles. I believe that if I had avoided the tough situation in my life I wouldn't be where I am.  Among many other amazing things, my life has given me my beautiful son, a love for psychology and human behavior, a need to help and create an understanding of addiction and mental illness which led me to create this blog.  My passion for writing has grown because of my need to share my struggles with others, hoping my experiences can help them in some way.






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