Dear 8 Year-Old Self,
I won't tell you that you should change your plans, your mind, your friends or anything about your life, because how you turned out at 27 is pretty okay...
All those mistakes that you made are not things that you should regret, because they brought you to the places you are now.
No, you don't continue with modeling (though you often think about getting back into it). No, you're not rich or famous (though you do okay for yourself and a few people know your name). And no, you're not still friends with Bailey (but you absolutely adore the friends that you have. They're the best part about you).
Some things you should be aware of, though... I know you think that when you become a "grown up" that people will take you seriously, that people will listen to you and let you be whoever you want to be... That's only half true - so you should be prepared for that and start trying to grow a thicker skin now. (At 27 it's still not that thick.)
The thing is, even now you don't feel like a grown up; and you probably never will. Also, the grown ups are more grown up and they will never stop looking at you like a kid. That will never stop being frustrating... And there's nothing you can do about it. (No, seriously... I have tried... So stop trying and just swallow it, Jodie.)
You are gonna "grow up" and be something different. You will be happy, but it won't come easily like it does now.
It'll be okay.
People are going to love you for your mind and hate you for it. People will embrace your appearance and push you away because of it. It's okay.
Even if parents and people you thought would love you unconditionally decide they don't like you anymore because you have tattoos, curse and celebrate holidays with drinks --- that's fine. They are missing out. Those people are shallow to turn you away for things that are just on the surface of you. You are so much more than tattoos, curse words and beers. The people who can't see that are cheap.
And those people who tell you that they love you "unconditionally"? They don't. No one can love unconditional. Not even parents. If there is a god, only (s)he can love unconditionally. Protect your heart.
Your heart.
Love.
Love, boyfriends, etc... Turns out it's not as 'top priority' as you might think. Be patient. There's a few good guys out there and you NEVER want to settle.
Don't settle.
Ever.
For someone who likes to hold onto things so tightly, you have to learn to let things go.
That's the hardest one.
You can't keep everything... Or everyone.
Sometimes you have to get rid of the things you outgrow in order to make room for new things and new people.
Always grow... You'll grow tall, but you won't grow up.
Jo
...what would you tell your 8 year-old self?
Leave it in a comment after the jump!
2 comments:
I totally love this. I have to think about it for a while before wrtiting but I'll keep it in mind
That was sweet :) If only we was all 8 to listen to our older selves..
I'd tell myself to not rush into being an adult.. It's not as great as you think. And to also follow my own heart, instead of always doing what others say. Oh and.. don't have kids before 30, don't be in a serious relationship *ever* and to aim high.. and stick to it.
Infact if i was 8, i'd slap the 28 yr old version of me :) xx
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