A few days ago, I was talking with my students about love. We were in the middle of a listening task, and we started to discuss some quotations that the book presented. The lesson was fantastic, most of them decided to share their thoughts and experiences with the class. Even the shyest ones! I was absolutely happy with the results because I'm starting to see them growing confident enough to produce in English. While I was listening to them, I couldn't help being invaded with nostalgia about my own life. How was I at that age? Was I so clever like them? Were things always easy for me?
So today I've decided to remember my 13-year-old self. With all the insecurities, fears and silliness. I wish I could have sent this letter to myself 7 years ago, but that's impossible now. If you are 13 and you are reading this letter, it could probably help you. Maybe not. Just in case, I wanted to remember some important things that I've learnt in these years.
Dear 13-year-old Daysi:
There are many things I need to tell you, girl, but probably the most important is that you are worthy of love. Stop treating yourself like you are not. Stop thinking that you need to look in a certain way in order to be loved and respected. That girl that you see over there that seems perfect to you? Well, she is not. She is also struggling. We all are. Be kind with your own body: don't skip meals, don't call yourself mean names. Remember to feed your mind with engaging and inspiring information: for God's sake, get interested, get passionate about life. You might think that being 13 means nothing, that you're too young to make a difference but you are wrong.
You can make the biggest difference within yourself.
Everyday of your life you are granted with the ability to choose. Choose wisely but don't be afraid of making mistakes: you are not supossed to be flawless. Forgive yourself and forgive others. It's never a good a idea to carry heavy loads in your soul.
I wanted you to know that you are going to be a good woman when you grow up. At least, you are going to try your best. You are going to be loved, kissed, admired, hugged, apreciated, so don't worry. You are going to be a teacher(you were not expecting that one, right?) and guess what? You are going to love it. Keep being yourself. Keep loving music, reading books.
Let art be the cure of tragedy.
Be good to mom and dad. Visit your grandparents.
Stay weird. Don't forget to love yourself first.
With infinite love,
20-year-old Daysi.
You can make the biggest difference within yourself.
Everyday of your life you are granted with the ability to choose. Choose wisely but don't be afraid of making mistakes: you are not supossed to be flawless. Forgive yourself and forgive others. It's never a good a idea to carry heavy loads in your soul.
I wanted you to know that you are going to be a good woman when you grow up. At least, you are going to try your best. You are going to be loved, kissed, admired, hugged, apreciated, so don't worry. You are going to be a teacher(you were not expecting that one, right?) and guess what? You are going to love it. Keep being yourself. Keep loving music, reading books.
Let art be the cure of tragedy.
Be good to mom and dad. Visit your grandparents.
Stay weird. Don't forget to love yourself first.
With infinite love,
20-year-old Daysi.
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