Things I would tell my younger self ♡

Things I would say to my younger self ♡

Hindsight is a glorious thing... It is so easy to look back on things and not remember them exactly as they were... maybe sugarcoating the bad things so you don't have to remember them as bad as they were... and often not bigging up the good things as we are all so modest today that we play down our achievements. We often get so lost in what is coming next, or remembering what has already happened, that we don't enjoy the right now.

I have just turned 26 - I still look about 16! - but honestly, I am 26 and I would say I have learned more in the last 3 years or so, than ever before.. and that is mostly down to age and maturity. But, also because I am no longer in denial about anything; I am completely open to myself, others and the universe and I am finally at a point in my life where I am (near enough) completely happy with myself.  This by no way, means I don't have my down days, I am human and I struggle as much as anyone.. but I feel as I am getting a little bit older I am learning more about how to handle those down times, who to lean on during them and how I can bring myself out of them.

This blog post is a little different to my usual, but as an anxiety warrior (haha) I feel it is important to embrace my mental health and also talk about the importance of talking about mental health issues. There is such a negative stigma around mental health which is so wrong, if I had never seeked help, I'm not sure where I would be now... But I certainly wouldn't be sat in my little house where I live with my lovely boyfriend and work my bum off to be a Special Needs teacher. I want to bring light to the fact that it is okay to not be okay, and  that there is always someone to talk to. There needs to be more support for young people suffering with mental health problems and I hope our children grow up in a world where there is more of that.

These are a few things I would tell my younger (not so strong) self...

1. Stop wasting your time on f*ck boys. We have all been there, done that... No more needs to be said. But I would definitely say it to my younger self!

2. You are not defined by the number on the scales. This is massively important for girls and boys who are struggling with an eating disorder, as not all eating disorders are visible or defined by being 'stick thin'. You are more than just a number on the scales; you are a whole person who is valued and wonderful to be around.

3. Everything always finds a way of working itself out. I never used  to believe this but it really is so true. Whatever is meant for you, will always be for you.

4. Do what makes you happy. This can be in terms of jobs, GCSE subjects, hobbies... anything at all! If it makes you happy; just bloody do it! 

5. Your mum is probably right. Now, I know this isn't always the case; but it definitely was for me! My mum was (and still is) my absolute rock, even on my bad days. They have been there, done that, and as much as we don't probably want to admit it; they do sometimes know it all.

6. Stop comparing yourself to others. It is the fastest way to making yourself miserable. Just try your very hardest to not.

7.  Learn to love yourself. Even if you start with one teeny thing you like about yourself, your eye make up, your smile, your bum, your nails... whatever it is! Focus on it, love it... and then spread that to other parts. It is so true that if you love yourself; who cares what others think.

8. Enjoy the right now. This is so important and something I am still working on. We are often so obsessed with the 'next thing' that sometimes we forget to look around at what we have right now. Enjoy these moments; they will soon be memories! Make the most of each day.

9. If someone compliments you; take it! I have always struggled with compliments but I am slowly learning to say 'thank you' instead of 'noooo...' and giving an excuse as to why! People wouldn't say things if they did not mean them.... Take it!

10. Just do you. No matter what that is! We all have our quirks; we all have our down days... they are what make us human! There is no one youer than you... no one does it better! Be proud of who you are.

These are just the things I would tell myself... I'm sure you could think of loads more. 

Sending big love and positivity always.

Lots of love EP 💕