Dear Sixteen Year Old Abbie

This post is inspired by Lana’s blog Dear sixteen-year-old me at Mamamia which features the book ‘Dear Me: More letters to my Sixteen year old self’.

Dear Sixteen Year Old Abbie,

I know you worry, a lot (“that’s an understatement”, I hear you say).  I just want to say that worrying is a real waste of time. The only benefit of worrying is to help you focus on what is important to you. The next time you are laying awake in your bed in the boarding house under your moon and star quilt, worrying yourself silly, I want you to ask your self two questions.

Firstly, is this situation really in your control? Can you do anything to change the situation? If no, then forget about it. If yes, then do something about it. Stop worrying. Do it.

Secondly, what is the worst thing that can happen? Imagine the worst possible thing that could happen. Is this likely to happen? If no, then forget about it. You know that anything else can’t be as bad, so what are you really worrying about? Go back to the first question. If yes, then prepare yourself, be ready.  Go back to the first question.

If you take the time to really think about these questions, then you will be able to focus on what is most important, and not the worry and the churning in your stomach.  I also want to pass on a little quote that I think will really help you,

“You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Memorise this. Blu tac it to the red brick wall next to your bed. Write it on your purple and pink pencil case in liquid paper.

Worrying about what people think of you is the ultimate time waster. In the future, making the most of your time will become extremely important to you. Why not start now by eliminating the worry of other people’s thoughts and opinions. In the end, as long as you are happy with what you think of yourself, what other’s think is of no consequence. Remember, they’re probably not thinking about you anyway. They’re probably worrying about what people are thinking of them.

“It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.” Dumbledore (you will find our who Dumbledore is next year.)

Love 31 Year Old Abbie

P.S. You’ll do well in year 12 because you worked hard. Work hard. Do what you can. Go with your gut. Get a good night’s sleep.

P.P.S. Try not to take ‘Flabby Abbie’ literally. You’re not fat. You’re just changing shape. You’re becoming a woman. Get over it. [hr]

What would you write to your sixteen year old self?