Letter to my 15 year old self

Dear Holly,

You turned 35 last month. I know, that sounds really old. You’re probably thinking that you’re not as skinny as you are now. You’d be right. You’re a whopping (ha! compared to your tiny bottom now) size 14 but actually pretty happy with your body. Crazy eh? And it’s covered in stretch marks. Anyway, I have some advice for you. Listen and listen good. This is your future self talking.

• Stop worrying about the future and trying to speed things up. The future comes fast enough.Corny as it sounds, enjoy the journey.
• Use a sunscreen every day, even though your skin is peachy and plump now. One day it will be less so. (Though your eyes will smile more).
• Money is important. Only in so much that if you don’t have enough, life can be very stressful.
• Having your heart broken for the first time is the most painful. You get tougher. And you will break hearts too.
• Always remember how it feels to be rejected when you’re ending a relationship. Being nice is not boring.
• Don’t forget to look up, literally and metaphorically. There are so many wonderful things to see.
• Never be the last person to leave a party. You’ve outstayed your welcome.
• If in doubt ask yourself ‘is it kind?’
• Drink water. It makes you feel less grumpy and your skin will thank you for it. Especially drink water when drinking alcohol.
• Walk tall, head high. Slouching is never a good look even if you are taller than the boys when wearing your high heels.
• If it’s good, write it. If it’s bad, say it. Great advice from your second ever proper boss.
• The size of your thighs is really of no importance whatsoever, unless they stop you running and jumping and doing things you want to do. Other than that they’re just really useful for helping you stand up. Never underestimate how lucky you are that you can stand on your own two feet.
• Inside you will be forever 15 in your heart.
• Sometimes big changes come more easily than small changes.
• That guy who lights up the room when he walks into it? The one everyone says has charisma? Leave him alone. He loves himself the most. Not you. He can’t help it, he is a little bit scarred and a little bit scared. That does not mean you should try and save him.
• Ignore fashion. Those cut off jeans with jet black tights? Not your look. Find your own style and stand proud.
• Ditto hairstyles.
• Don’t try to save people. It will only end in tears. Most likely your own. See above.
• Listen.
• University is the time for hanging out with your girlfriends, staying up late and dancing to bad music. Don’t waste it playing house with a boyfriend.
• Laughter is the best tonic. Lighten up. Being earnest is not so important after all.
• The most important quality to look for in a man is kindness. Yes, there are loads of other things that are important, but kindness is a deal breaker.
• You’re never too old to want to call your Dad when the going gets tough.
• Drinking a coffee alone in a cafe will one day be a source of great joy to you rather than a source of great anxiety.
• Your memory won’t always be this great. Makes notes of stuff that makes your heart sing. Your old lady self will thank you for it.
• Sleep! Lots. Enjoy your sleep. Be thankful for it. There’s no make up in the world that can recreate a well rested face.
• Follow your dreams and do something you LOVE. You spend a lot of time at work.
• And if you get it wrong, change career. Do it. Now.
• He did not lose your number. He just wasn’t that into you. (If you find yourself making excuses for someone, you should know you’re onto a bad thing).
• Living in new places is scary at first. But it’s also exciting.
• One day there will be a thing called social media where people pretend their life is perfect through the power of editing. Proceed with caution.
• You absolutely cannot have it all, though you will try. Something will give. Make sure it’s not you.
• Don’t put barriers in your way. Like making a list of everything a job/husband/house must tick off before you will consider it/them. Sometimes jumping in with both feet results is happiness.
• Drama is best left to the movies and theatre. Understated wins.
• Do not reply to emotional text messages or emails straight away. I know you’re probably wondering what both those things are but believe me they will feature heavily in your life.
• It’s okay to not like nightclubs.
• You will never stop needing to be mothered. Even long after you start to mother. And you will only appreciate mothering when it’s not there for you, on a plate, every day.
• Read before bedtime. It is very good for your mind and your soul.
• You can know someone better in 9 days than another person in 10 years. Crazy but true.
• Loneliness and being alone are very different things. You can be lonely in a room of 100 people. Enjoying your own company is a skill to behold.
• Your parents may seem annoying now, but one day you’ll get it.
• Eyebrows frame your face. Don’t over pluck them. Leave that to the supermodels. (See photographic evidence).
• Don’t waste time wondering ‘what if’. There was a reason you didn’t marry him/take the flight/heed the advice. Move on. Nothing to see here.
• Your health is everything. Look after your body.

Now go to sleep and drink some water and be happy with your thighs.

Your 35 year old self, Holly.

What advice would you give your 15 year old self?

Get the monthly newsletter...

and subscribe to get all recipes straight to your inbox!