A Letter to My Younger Self by Evelína Kolářová (21, Czech Republic)

Dear Younger Self, 

I think I don’t hate my past versions anymore. 

I learned to love and respect myself. Learned everyone makes mistakes sometimes. Learned what really defines someone’s personality... and other things as well. With the information and capacity you had, you did what you did. ​

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It is really okay it took such a long time to arrive at my present state and point on the self-reflection path. 

I change and develop as I try to be the best version of myself always. 

I forgive my past selves. I hereby give myself the permission to forgive my past selves. 

And I need to tell you thank you. For standing up for yourself and your rights. For breaking up with two toxic boyfriends. For being able to finish high school. To navigate life with the information, capacity and environment you were thrown in. 

You did a good job actually. 

I just wish you enjoyed yourself more, enjoyed life more. 

And even if I could, I wouldn’t make any changes in my path, the programme of my life as I happened to live. Everything led me here and I am grateful I was able to come this far and find so much self-compassion, love and respect. Become one with myself. Take my needs as priority. Learn about my mental health. Grow. Heal. 

So, if you are reading this in your now, just know that I am gonna be okay, okay? Just carry on, one step at a time. If you do what I did, it will be all okay. You will arrive where I am at now and here it is good. 

Yours,
Older Self

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