A Letter To My Younger Self • LIFESTYLE

Image is not my own - sourced from my tumblr

We've all had hopes, had dreams, difficult times in our lives, things that we thought would pan out differently. If we could go back in time are there things we would do differently or simply things we would tell ourselves, knowing what we know now? What would you say the key messages were that really summed up what's important to life? I decided to write myself a letter, based on my current state of life and reminding myself that it's all going to be okay.

Dear Ashlee,

You're probably reading this and wondering how in the world have you got a letter from your future self?! Don't worry about all that time travelling science stuff. That's not important. What is important however is happiness, your own happiness for that matter and that is the reason why I am writing this letter to you from the future.

You may think now that the most important things in life is being best friends with everybody and whilst it's important to have good friends, make sure they really are good ones. Don't worry yourself with those who make you feel bad about yourself, who poke fun or make sly remarks. They may have lots of people who follow them, but you are not a sheep, don't allow this behaviour to guide you into thinking you have to be friends with them. Stick with those who make you laugh, who you have genuine fun with, who you feel most comfortable around - as being comfortable is a sign that you fit. They may not be the most popular, but they are the most loyal. And loyalty is a rare thing to find in this life unfortunately.

Whilst you may be reading this and thinking that being popular is what makes someone cool and recognised, in a few years you will see these tables turn and the people who look down on you and make you feel small and inferior, will turn to you for motivational strength and look up how you once did. I promise you that whilst friendship dramas and fall outs may seem like the worst thing in the world, the fact that they fell apart shows they weren't held in place strong enough in the first place. This means that the bonds weren't made to last, and that you should let it go.

Your grades are important. Listen to those who say that, I know that you will be trying your hardest and receive your 4 A*s, but try to remember that making memories and living in the moment is also important. College is going to be the best two years of your educational life, you are going to learn so much and have so much fun, meet amazing people and they are the ones who will impact you most. Don't let drama be a part of your life, live a kind and gracious life, be humble and grateful.

When you leave college, really enjoy that summer of endless music festivals, sunshine and smiling. You will be facing a whole new world in London once that summer ends, and this is where your life is going to take shape. Whilst you are there, university will be a blur of testing who you are and what your identity is, don't let that change who you know are - your core beliefs and your integrity. Become someone who inspires yourself to do more, work harder, be your best. Don't let your sadness control you - you are the founder and creator of your own happiness. You will see rough parts, but just keep hanging in there because they will pass. Nothing worth having comes easy and if you want something you have to go out there and get it. Grab life by both hands and really live it.

I advise you to laugh as often as possible. Laughing is severely underrated and you should laugh as often as possible as they will make your happiest memories. Travel the world, see and do everything you possible can, take all the opportunities in front of you and face all your fears. You are a lot tougher than you think you are. Sing, dance, be as happy and lively as you possibly can, you have so much ahead of you and so much to look forward to.

Don't let what others do worry you or change how you feel about yourself. You are strong. You are brave. You can do this.