Dear Younger Me: Lessons in Self-Love and Acceptance

I’ve been thinking about this post for a while now. I’ve loved reading other bloggers’ letters to their younger selves, and it got me reflecting—why not write my own? Any time is a good time for self-reflection, after all. So here I am, putting pen to paper (or fingers to keys), wondering what I might discover about myself along the way.

Dear Younger Me,

First off, stop worrying so much. Seriously. Half the things you’re stressing over right now won’t matter in a year, let alone in ten. I know you say you don’t care what people think, but let’s be honest—you do. And that’s okay. You’re human. But please, don’t let other people’s opinions define you. Being liked isn’t the same as being happy, and you don’t need to shape yourself into someone else’s expectations just to fit in. Be you. The right people will love you for it.

You’ll be tempted to follow the crowd, to do what seems ‘normal’ or ‘expected.’ Resist. Be bold. Forge your own path. Trust your gut—it’s smarter than you think. And while we’re on the subject of listening to your gut…maybe lay off the junk food just a little. Your body is going to have to carry you through a lot, and while you can’t control everything (yes, cancer will show up uninvited, but don’t be afraid, you got this ❤️), you can at least give yourself the best fighting chance.

Now, about love. You’re going to fall for someone, and for a while, it will feel like forever. But forever isn’t always what it seems. There will be heartbreak, betrayal, and moments where you question everything. And yes, that engagement that drags on for 12 years? Red flag, darling. But here’s the thing—you’ll come out stronger, wiser, and more aware of what you truly deserve. And then, just when you least expect it, you’ll meet someone who will remind you what love is supposed to feel like. With him, you’ll build a life filled with laughter, love, and two incredible kids who will become your entire world.

Life won’t be perfect. There will be moments of doubt, of wishing things were better—your career, your body (yep, still rolling your eyes at that one), your level of organisation, your bank account. But ask yourself this: would those things truly make you happier? Or have you already got everything you need, just waiting to be appreciated?

You are more than enough. You always have been. You just need to believe it.

With love and a knowing smile, Older, Wiser, and Still a Work in Progress You xx

Writing this letter was more eye-opening than I expected. It reminded me of how much I’ve grown, how much I still have to learn, and that maybe, just maybe, my younger self wouldn’t be too disappointed with how things turned out. I wonder…If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would you say? Why not let me know over on the Facebook page Mylifeandstyleover40

Take care, stay safe.

Becks Xo