You don’t know this yet…

Writing a letter to your younger self is an opportunity to face the past head on to unlock the future. Letting go of negative feelings that could be holding you back is also great for gaining clarity too.

In our ever-digital world of texts, likes and emojis, I feel the art of letter writing still has a valid place, will hopefully have a revival and can be a really cathartic exercise.

This is your opportunity to reassure your younger self with the knowledge and empathy that you now have. Give yourself some love, forgive yourself if you need to, forgive others and write everything that needs to be said. Be kind to yourself. Be the voice of encouragement that you needed back then.

This is my letter to 19 year old Emily…

18 September 2020

Dear 19 year old Emily

You don’t know this yet but you are going to absolutely love living in the North West (despite the rain) and being at Manchester University. Just please don’t start every Fresher’s Week conversation with ‘I’ve been on a gap year!’. You have to trust me on this one.

You’re going to meet some of your best friends over the next few years. In 20 years’ time you’ll still very much be in each other’s lives. The ups and the downs and the roundabouts. Your girlfriends are so important. Never stop checking in, meeting up and laughing together.

You will feel so confused about academia. The Head of Combined Studies is going to look after you in a few weeks when you’re thinking about quitting and reassure you that all is going to be ok. His calming presence during this time is going to stay with you forever and you’re going to pay it forward again and again over your life.

When you get onto the course that you like please read the text before the lecture. Just do it. This philosophy will stand you in good stead for the rest of your life. Be prepared for whatever you’re up against and you’ll do it so much better than if you try to wing it.

Try and avoid the Ulysses module if you can. Instead seek out more sociology and psychology courses – you’re fascinated by people and what makes them tick. You’ll often feel out of your depth but you’ll get through and do well. One day you’ll discover vocational learning and it’ll change your world. You’ll take control and work will never feel like work again.

Your mum will always be at the end of the phone. But don’t just call her when you need something. One day she’ll get a mobile phone and only send you text messages with all the emojis and you’ll miss hearing her voice.

You have a great life ahead of you, Emily. Your time in Manchester is just the start. Remember to take responsibility for what comes next and then go for it with all the energy and creativity that you have. You can do anything!

Lots of love

Emily, age 42

What are the words of wisdom you now know that you wish you’d known then?

What advice did you seek but never find?

What support back then might have changed how things are today?

And when you’re ready just start…Dear younger me, you don’t know this yet but…