A Letter to myself

I recently read in The Guardian, that Stephen Fry wrote a letter to his 16 year old self, so I think I'll give it a go myself.

To Melanie (aged 16)
You have had a great life up until now and it will just get better. There will be times when you'll want to just hide away under a duvet cover, and never come out. But do not worry; these times will pass and will only make you appreciate all the happy and fun times to come, which will always, always, outnumber the sad times.

That boy you recently met at the nightclub 'Shades', and have fallen madly in love with...well lets just say that in 22 years you will still be hopelessly in love with; and that goosebump-feeling you get, whenever he enters the room, will never leave you.

You will be a great mum to two beautiful children, although the journey to motherhood will be harrowing and very sad on a couple of occasions. But trust me, it will be worth it.

Be strong enough to always follow your own intuition and never do things that you think are not right. There will be several times that you won't heed this advice, but you will know it immediately. In particular, your choice of career. So just enjoy your nursing and midwifery careers and just accept them as a journey to who you are.

When you see that pamphlet coming through your door, for a part time social science degree at the University of Hull, jump at the chance at getting on the course and never look back. You will be truly inspired by a lecturer there, who will reawaken in you, a fascination of the society you live in.

It will probably take you about 22 years to finally gain the courage and confidence to do something about your yearning to be a writer.

I'm really hoping that in 22 years from now I will recive a letter, similar to this one, giving me guidance and words of wisdom.

Love

Melanie (aged 37)

p.s. You might want to stop eating all that chocolate now, because it's going to end up right on your hips!