A letter to my younger self
Hi little Nicole,
Guuuuuurl would you not believe me if I told you that you’ll be on Facebook for over 10 years. You’ll also not only be on Facebook but this whole “social media” thing will explode right in front of and you’ll really enjoy Twitter and Instagram (sometimes). The hilarious posts and photos ridiculously edited with picnik with your best friends throughout grade 7 and 8 are going to be some of the best memories of your childhood that you’ll be able to look back on in a couple of years because the Internet is forever. BUT — I’m going to give you some advice and encouragement though, before you let this entire social media world consume you.
Before I continue, I know you won’t give a shit reading this because you hate being told what to do but PLEASE this will save you so, so much wasted time and anxiety in the few short years where you could have taken advantage of all these amazing platforms to your advantage. And also avoid all the awful things that can come with it.
Start investing and building confidence in yourself. GET OUT OF YOUR DAMN HEAD. You know that picture that you posted that didn’t get a lot of likes compared to someone else? Yeah, it literally doesn’t matter. These likes or having 12319 ‘friends’ online, that you obviously don’t even know, don’t validate who you are or your worth. When you become more confident in yourself these things won’t even feel phase you and you’ll be much better off. It’s actually kind of liberating.
Don’t be so afraid to put yourself out there and be actually social online (and in the real world). Don’t be so scared of being judged or saying something wrong or posting something that’s not funny enough. Because no one cares — everyone is busy focusing on their own insecurities and themselves. Social media’s a tool and a form of communication. Use it to learn and interact with people that share similar interests with you. Make those connections and friends. I was about to add in to begin networking but that’s kinda weird to say that to a 12/13 year old (keep this in mind for the next few years though!!!). I know you have it in you, you just have to get over taking that initial first step. Don’t be afraid to spread those wings of yours.
Social media’s a wonderful thing but you have to be careful to not get too sucked in. You’re not aware of it now but you’ll soon realize that it’s impossible to drag yourself away from things. Try not to spend all day on the computer. Constantly being online isn’t healthy and just lurking, refreshing Facebook and being on MSN 24/7 isn’t productive for you.
You’ll still have the same interests in the future that you’re obsessed with now. Post your photos and creative work online even if you’re constantly worried about it not being perfect. Criticism, feedback and making mistakes will help you progress.
You’re in for a few very interesting and insanely fun years —
With love,
21 year old Nicole (can you even believe you’re actually going to be that old some day though?!)
