Letter to my 5-year-old self

Dear 5-year-old me,

Well, this is it. It’s September and you’re starting Kindergarten. You’re going to learn so much. You’re going to make some friends. You might not like everyone. But that’s ok. You don’t have to like everyone. But just remember, not everyone will like you. And that’s ok too. You’ll meet some people who will become lifelong friends, no matter how far away from each other you may live as adults. There will be people who you may never see again after this year. That’s ok too.

As far as school, just as long as you do your best, you’ll be considered successful. While you can strive to be the best at everything, it’s ok if you aren’t. There will be things in kindergarten that you might not understand. That’s ok. Your teacher is very nice, and she will help you with whatever questions you have. Don’t be afraid to ask for help; we all need help sometimes.

Some of the kids in your class might brag about how much money their parents make. Don’t let them make you feel sad. Your parents make a good living and are always there for you whenever you need it. There’s a good chance that the parents of the “rich” kids buy their kids love with expensive things. Your parents know the difference between “want” and “need” and that is much more powerful than buying you everything that you set your eyes on. Your parents will always be there for you. No amount of money can ever replace your parents’ love and support. Mental and emotional support is 100 times better than throwing money out the window for a toy or game that will only bring you short term (fake) “love.”

Some of your friends will turn out to be fake friends. You will learn that as you get older. So, for now if you are invited somewhere with your friends, go. Later in life, you will appreciate the time spent with them. You’ll learn from them, and they will learn from you.

At this young age, it’s easy to trust everyone. That’s fine. As you get older, you will learn to keep your guard up and that not everyone is to be trusted. So, for now, just have fun. You’re a kid and that’s what kids are supposed to do.

It’s ok to be yourself. Don’t put on a different persona just because you want to be like the other kids. You are you. Be the best you that you can be. If the other kids don’t like it, then you don’t have to be friends with them. This goes back to what I was saying earlier that not everyone is going to like you. And you aren’t going to like everyone. And that is 100% ok. You will see who truly likes you and who truly cares about you. It might take until adulthood, but you will find out who your true friends are. Those are the only one who you should keep in your circle of friends.

Listen to your parents. At this young age, they really are the ones who know what is best for you. They are laying the foundation for your future so that you can be independent as you get older. They have instilled good values and morals in you.

It’s ok if you make mistakes. We’re human, and humans make mistakes. Mistakes are a part of life. They are how we learn. They are how we grow. But it’s important to learn from your mistakes the first time, so you don’t keep making the same mistakes over and over again.

The last piece of advice that I want to give you is to just be yourself. People are going to judge you no matter what you do. And that’s ok. It’s your life to live. Not theirs. So just as long as you’re happy, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks.

You are beautiful. Inside and out. Always remember that.

Love always,

46-year-old me