I did this for a magazine – it’s a letter from me to my younger self (aged 16). Thought you might like it. Try it yourselves too xx
Hi Demi,
I would ask if you are well, but apart from some teenage spots I know that you are. I have been given this amazing opportunity to write to you just as you reach the tender age of 16. I want to tell you what’s going to happen to you when you hit your forties but I can’t, I really don’t want to spoil the surprise for you, so I have decided to just give you some advise and reassurance for this great adventure you are about to go on.
Firstly I want you to know I have never had any regrets – absolutely none – I hope this makes things a little easier for you as I know you worry about everything, by the way that never changes, you will always worry about everything. There are some things though that you might decide you want to avoid when I let you know some of the consequences. In a couple of years you’re gonna start smoking. You are gonna smoke for a good few years. The problem isn’t the smoking, it’s the trying to stop that has caused you a good few years of problems… so you have two choices. CHOICE No.1 Don’t start smoking just avoid it like the plaque and never even try it no matter how cool you think it looks… or CHOICE No 2 Smoke more than you would. Every time you want a ciggy have two – if you knew the stress your gonna go through giving up you may as well make it worthwhile… It’s such a powerful habit that when you give up your gonna miss it every day of life …yes everyday…..so probably option No 1 would be the way to go.
I know the school thing is bothering you a little, and how everyone keeps telling you that grades are really important and you must do well in your exams and how your just always getting grade C’s. Well this is gonna come as a bit of a shock but that’s not strictly true! It is important to get an education but it’s not the ”Be all and end all” the life experiences you are going to get will but as important to you as those C’s you are always worrying about. You will always be one of those people that keep asking questions and always ask other peoples opinion, you will sometimes choose to ignore them but at least you have another point of view. That’s as good as any A+ in any exam…
In a few years you are gonna go and work abroad. This is gonna be the time of your life. You are really gonna have fun. You are gonna meet some people that will affect the rest of your life. Look out for a girl called Karen (she’s gonna knock your socks off ) you are gonna eat well live well and go to the gym every day… yes I said the gym… I know that you are a little podgy now and that you worry about it, but when you hit your twenties ohhhhh myyyyy God… you get the body of Greek God… it’s fantastic… you get pecks biceps and a six-pack to die for …I just want you to do me one favour …TAKE SOME PICTURES!!!!!! That great body you get for a few years doesn’t last forever, you’re gonna spread out when you get older (don’t worry you still look cute but you are gonna fill out). The problem is no one will believe you looked like a short version of Arnold Schwarzenegger… and if I had pictures I could show them and shut them up. So take plenty.
I also want you to know that your granny and granddad whom you love more than life are with you for a long time to come, so stop worrying. They will share some of the best times of your life with you and you. They are gonna see your kids and spend time with them. I know you always worry about making them proud …please don’t worry….. they are …they told me … as they tell you now ….and when it is time ….and they do leave you it will hurt ……. it will really hurt …but that’s not for a long long time yet.
I think that’s all really. I really have tried to think if there’s anything else and I don’t think there is …oh hang on ….I know you have a perm now but in a few years time you a gonna start to thin out on top. You are probably running around screaming about now but …. PLEASE DON’T WORRY …..it’s a lot more common than you think. There a lot of balding people in the next thirty years (personally I think it has something to do with the ozone) – in fact it becomes quite fashionable to have a shaved head – and anyway your wife loves you bald.
Well Demi I think it’s time to finish up. Have a great time (I know you will) and enjoy all of it – it’s gonna be a fun ride…
Oh and by the way, the lottery numbers for the day of your 44th birthday are 2, 8, 14, 16, 29, 36
Best wishes
YOU
P.S. Your Wife, Son and Daughter say hi and your Son wants you to know he’s having the time of his life.