"To send a letter is a good way to go somewhere without moving anything but your heart." ~Phyllis Theroux
Today's Toronto Star features letters written by five celebrated Canadian women to their girlhood selves. I like the idea of the project and so I decided to write a letter to my 17 year-old self.
Dear Jackie,
Try not to worry so much. Most of the things you worry about will never come to pass. The things that will really turn your world upside down will come from nowhere on quiet Wednesday afternoons. There is nothing you can do to prepare for them and you will get through them okay.
Believe in yourself. You have lots of gifts to give the world. Don't pay attention to those who try to put you down or to criticize your every move. No statue was ever erected to a critic.
Be gentle with yourself. You will make many mistakes. Use each one as a chance to learn and grow. When you've learned what you can from the mistake, forgive yourself and let it go. There is no margin in self-flagellation.
Enjoy your young body while you have it. Though you don't know it, you are a pretty young woman. You will look back one day and wish you had known and appreciated that.
Ask your relatives about the family history. There are few left among us who know where and who we came from. If they pass away without telling you, the history will be forever lost.
You are going to be okay.
Love Jackie
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