January: Dear Younger Me, This Is What I Wish You Knew

A heartfelt letter to the girl I used to be, as we step into a new year of becoming

Picture by Eugene Chystiakov on Unsplash

Dear Younger Me,

As we step into a brand-new year, I’m beginning something deeply personal: a series of letters to myself. Each month, I’ll write to a version of me - past, present, or future - as a way to reflect, grow, and honour the journey of becoming. This first letter feels especially important. It’s a chance to speak to the younger me, the one who needed to hear these words the most.

I know the world hasn’t always been kind to you. There were moments when the weight of it all felt unbearable, and you wondered if you’d ever feel safe again. There are those who took advantage of their authority, their position as adults - those who should have protected you but didn’t. For that, I’m sorry. You deserved better - so much better.

But let me tell you this: their actions do not define you. They do not get to write the story of who you are or who you’re becoming. That power belongs to you alone. Even now, in the moments when you feel broken, you are quietly building yourself into someone strong, someone compassionate, someone whole.

You don’t know this yet, but the world won’t always feel as heavy as it does right now. There will come a time when the confusion you’re carrying will start to untangle itself. It won’t happen all at once, and it won’t look like a perfect storybook ending but it will happen, piece by piece, moment by moment.

Right now, you’re so hard on yourself, aren’t you? You think you need to be everything to everyone, that you need to get it all right the first time. But here’s the truth I wish someone had told you: it’s okay to stumble. In fact, the stumbling is where the learning happens.

I see you holding onto the idea that you need to have all the answers. But you don’t. And you won’t. Life isn’t about certainty; it’s about discovery. Let go of the need to figure it all out right now. Allow yourself the space to explore, to grow, and to simply be.

You’re going to face challenges that will feel insurmountable. You’ll wonder if you’re strong enough to endure them. But I promise you, you are. Every setback, every moment of heartbreak, every time you feel like giving up - they will all teach you something. They’ll shape you into someone you’re proud to be.

One day, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come. You’ll see the bravery it took to keep going, even when it felt impossible. You’ll see the quiet strength that you never gave yourself credit for.

So, as we step into this new year, I want to leave you with one piece of advice: be gentle with yourself. Treat yourself with the kindness you so easily give to others. You are worthy of that same compassion, that same love.

You’re not perfect, and that’s okay. You don’t have to be. You are enough just as you are.

With love,
Me

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Your Turn to Reflect:
As we begin this year, I invite you to think about what you’d say to your younger self. What would you thank them for? What wisdom would you share? Take a moment to write your own letter, even if it’s just a few lines. You might be surprised at what it brings up.

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Resources to Explore:

• Book: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown – A beautiful reminder to embrace imperfection and find joy in the journey of becoming.

• TED Talk: What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness by Robert Waldinger – A powerful talk on what truly matters in life.

• Journal Prompt: Write a letter to your younger self. Reflect on three things:

  1. A piece of advice you wish you had known.

  2. A moment you’re proud of, even if it felt small at the time.

  3. Something you’ve grown to appreciate about yourself over the years.

• Podcast Episode: How to Be Kinder to Yourself from The Happiness Lab – Practical tips for cultivating self-compassion.

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A Gentle Reminder:
This year, let’s step into kindness - for ourselves and others. If you found this letter helpful or inspiring, I’d love for you to subscribe and join me on this yearlong journey. Let’s grow together.

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“Letters to Myself” is a yearlong journey of reflection, growth, and becoming. Join me every month as I explore the past, present, and future through heartfelt letters. Subscribe to follow along and be part of this thoughtful journey.