#56. A Letter To My 8-Year-Old Self

Prompt: Imagine yourself aged eight. What would you tell yourself?

Hey Kid,

I’m writing to you form the future, I’m an older version of you, 14 years older to be precise. I have a few pieces of advice for you, you don’t have to listen to me, but I reckon your life will be a little easier if you do.

1. You’re different, but that’s okay. I know it might not feel like it now, other kids can be cruel I know. You’re weird, you know it, I know it, and the other kids know it. I know you hate it right now, but I can guarantee that one day you will love the fact that you’re weird. And the best bit? You’re going to find a group of friends that are just as weird as you and love you so much for your weirdness. It does get better, I promise.
2. Speaking of being different, you know yourself better than everyone else. You already know that there’s something not quite right don’t you? How many times have you been shouted at for being clumsy, told that you’re lazy, or stupid, even though you’re trying your hardest?

   You and I know both know you’re not stupid, in fact you’re incredibly smart, but your schoolwork will never reflect your true abilities. Likewise, when you’re trying so hard in P.E. and you feel like you’re putting in 210% of effort just to keep up.

   There’s a reason for that, it’s called Dyspraxia. Ask Mum about it, make sure you get diagnosed, it won’t make much of difference now, but you’ll be grateful for it in the future.

3. Always stand up for yourself. Do what feels right for you. If you don’t want to do something don’t let anyone else make you. I know it’s a lot easier said than done, trust me, I know. Sometimes you will have to do things that you don’t want to, like brushing your hair and having your nails cut, or wearing a dress. Sometimes those little things aren’t worth arguing over.

   Also, you should definitely be brushing your hair, brushing your teeth, and having your nails cut. I know it’s not always easy, it’s kind of a dyspraxic thing, but it is important for good hygiene. Plus, if you don’t brush your hair Mum will actually cut it all off, and you’ll look like a boy and whilst that wouldn’t bother you aged 22 (how old I am now, I know that’s a long way off), the kids at school will make your life more difficult than it already is. I know you don’t want that.

   But other things? You need to fight on those, especially if it involves your body. Don’t ever let anyone pressure you into doing stuff that you really don’t want to do. And on the same note don’t do something just because it’s cool and that’s what you think everyone else is doing. I know I probably sound like a teacher, but I promise, they do actually know what they’re talking about.

4. Don’t do anything just to fit in, to be normal. I promise that normal? It’s so overrated. As I’ve said earlier, you’re different. Your brain is wired a bit differently to everyone else’s. That’s okay. I promise you.

   Trying to be normal? Trying to be like everyone else? It won’t make you normal, it might make you fit in a little better every now and again. But honestly? It will also make you very unhappy in the long run. Embrace your weird kid, I promise you it will be so worth

If you decided all that was too much to read, and honestly I wouldn’t blame you, I’ll give you the short version. You’re weird. And that’s one of the best things about you. Life has so many wonderful things in store for you. It’s going to be hard at times, but it’ll be amazing at times as well. There will always be good and bad, that’s part of life. Above all, always be yourself.

Sophie x