Trending around social media at the moment is the 10 year challenge. For those who aren’t on social media, it’s basically where you post a picture of yourself now and a picture of yourself 10 years ago. I’m not one to follow trends in real life or social media but I thought I could give this a go but in my own way. Below is a letter I have written addressed to my 13 year old self.

Dear Emma,

Well I’m writing this to you to let you know you’re doing well. You’ve made it through some very shitty times and have come out on the other side a better person. I’m not gonna lie to you, it’s gonna get a lot worse before it gets better, but it will get better.

I want to tell you to remain positive but I know it’s easier said than done. I want to tell you to stay true to yourself but at 13 years old it’s easier said than done. I also want to let you know that you are strong. You are tough and you can handle anything that the universe throws to you. Trust me. Believe me. There will be times where you will doubt yourself. Even 23 year old you has moments of doubt now but they are soon followed by courage. Courage that has always been there. You’ve just got to believe it.

I’m actually writing this letter to you from another country (I won’t say which country as you’ll have to wait and see), so don’t worry…I got you away from the UK. I know you have moments where you feel lost and you’ll go through moments where you feel like you’re on the right path but then the next you feel like you’ve strayed. That’s okay. You’re still young and you’re going to be young for many, many years! Don’t worry about growing up or trying to have everything figured out. There’s plenty of time for that. There’s no need to rush. Live in the moment. Try and make the most of your teenage years as you can. I will say that you need to chill out on the alcohol though…

As for friends and family, family will always stick by you no matter what. Family will piss you off for sure, that’s family, but your family is strong and the love it holds is enormous. They will always be there for you. When it comes to friends…they’ll teach you a lot. They’ll give you secret lessons on life and yourself. Let them flow. As you progress on your journey you’ll figure out who is with you for the long run and who isn’t. Try to wish them off with love and light. There’s no doubt that you’re gonna go through some heartbreaks. Trust me…they are a huge lesson! There’s a reason why it didn’t work out and it will probably be the biggest lesson you learn about yourself. Put your trust in the universe.

Here’s a few things that do change though:

– You become a food lover. I know…it sounds so unbelievable but you actually end up loving food. The other week you ate grilled octopus. You ate grilled octopus! Eating chicken without baked beans doesn’t bother you anymore, you can eat toast without sticking it in the microwave for 10 seconds to melt the butter and you can now eat strawberries without feeling like they taste too sour. You’ve made so much progress!

– You stick to your running. Your speed slows down (partly because of the huge fucking boobs you grow) but your running distance improves. Running helps you blow off some steam which is needed on some days.

– You’ll get tattoos. The family won’t really agree but your attitude is pretty much ‘fuck it’. I will say this though, not one of your tattoos is the wrist tattoo that you draw on yourself when you’re bored in maths class and that’s a good thing!

It’s been great to write to you. I’m gonna end this by telling you that you are loved, you are beautiful and you are strong. You’re a tough cookie and you will come out of those dark times ready to embrace light and positivity.

You’ve got this!

Lot’s of love,

Your future self xo