open letter Motivation inspiration Dear 16-year-old-me

Dear 16-Year-Old Shy Me: You'll Be Fine When You're 22 I Promise, Please Don't Give Up Just Yet

( words)
*For representational purpose only.

Dear 16-year-old-me,

How are you doing? Look at you, all shy and silent! 6 years down the lane, I am here in my happy place, having learnt a lot. I wish I could have told you these things before, but better late than never, I guess!

The next 6 years will be the best years of your life! Your metamorphosis from a shy teenager to an independent woman would be worth remembering.

Right now, you are in a protected cocoon, a safe place where no one and nothing can hurt you. You have no idea what the real world is like. But don’t you worry! Time will be your teacher. You will learn a new lesson at every step. 

A warning though, the learning will be followed after a string of back-breaking experiences. But one day, you will look back and realize what you have gathered, knowingly or unknowingly.

The next two years will be extremely tough and hectic. 12th boards will sap the energy out of you. You will have to study a lot. At the same time, you might face issues like acne. But it's all a part and parcel. It comes and goes with age. Do not think too much about these things and let them distract you. Keep up your focus. In the end it will be all worth it, when you will see yourself getting the college of your choice. 

College will introduce to a new world, which you will love to the core. It will make you the person you'd be proud of. Shifting to a different city and staying away from home will be such a wonderful experience, for it will be your home for the next few years. You will feel homesick at times. But you'll get through it too, for you are strong.

You will get a few cultural shocks in college in the beginning. Be ready for those. There will be a lot of times when things won’t go the way you want them to go. There will be a lot of incidents when people will hurt you. I won’t tell you to not cry. Because only when you will feel the pain and wipe the tears away will you come out as a bolder, stronger person.

Flowers grow back even when they're stepped on. So will you. But you know what? Do not judge anyone based on that one time. Understand that everyone has his/her reasons to do something. Try to believe that everyone is good and circumstances bring out the worst in you. That way you will feel positive about people around you. Don’t worry about studies much. Just pay attention in class and you will do great in exams. Take part in all the cultural events.

Follow your passion. Write more and read a lot. But most importantly, make friends that you will want to keep for a lifetime. They will have your back all the time and help you create memories that will leave an indelible mark in your heart.

Have a lot of fun. But don't forget your morals and values. Listen to your parents and be a good daughter. You might be confused as you come closer to the end of your course. You will go through a lot of dilemma before coming to the right choice of career. But when you will, you will love it a lot.

Dear 16-year-old me, I just want to tell you that you have wonderful years ahead. Sorry to break the suspense but you will grow into a woman who earns and lives a beautiful, independent life.

She has graduated and works at a place she loves. She attends company meetings and talks to clients. But she still loves ‘High School Musical’ movies, worships Harry Potter, wishes to dance whenever it rains and shouts ‘I am sooo blogging about this’ on every other thing. You are the most beautiful girl with the sweetest smile. Remember that your imperfections are perfect. Keep the innocence, but leave the timidness behind. You will no longer need it. 

But you know what? You will still be the same... even after all this time. In your heart, you'll always be the 16-year-old you are right now and that will be the beauty of your metamorphosis. 

Be good and have fun.

See you on the other side.

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