Back to the past...

Hi there little one,

I know this comes as somewhat of an arbitrary and bizarre occurrence – it’s not everyday that you receive a letter from your older-self. The idea may seem a bit pointless, given that I am but a few years older than you are now. But you are about to embark on a part of your life that drastically changes both you, and your outlook on life. A couple of months on your own, adapting to university life is enough to change anyone. And trust me when I say it will change you – I’ve lived that part of your life. There will be a lot of tears. There will be heartache and anguish. Your heart will be broken. More than once. You will do stupid things that you never imagined yourself doing – things that you will not be proud of. As much as these unwanted events are unpleasant to think about, they will change you as a person, for the better. You will learn from them. The words I have given you so far are far from encouraging. They do not give you an unsullied vision of what your life is going to be like after leaving home. I am being blunt with you. There will be hard and rough times. But without the hard times, how can you appreciate the good times? Because there will be smiles. There will be laughter. There will be a fabulous group of best friends who will support you in everything you do. There will be those woeful days of PMS and hangovers that only a good Hilary Duff movie and lots of chocolate will cure. These experiences are not only necessary in the development of your new life, but also in defining the new you. This letter is not meant to aid you in anyway, but purely give you an honest view of what to expect in your personal life. University life is something you are meant to experience alone, and as pathetic as this sounds, finding who you are as a person. I guess that’s all I have to say, you goofy child you.

All the best,

Chanel

xxx

PS. The dark-haired guy from De Beers called Dave? Two thumbs up… :)