Prompt for the week:
Dear Younger Me,
I know you dream of growing up, thinking that adulthood will free you from the hardships you face. You believe that once you’re older, everything will make sense, and you won’t have to endure the pain, confusion, and loneliness you sometimes feel. But let me tell you a secret: adulthood isn’t the escape you think it is.
Life doesn’t magically become easier when you grow up. The world is still complicated, and new challenges arise. But here’s the beautiful part—you learn to carry the weight better. The sadness that once consumed you? You’ll learn to navigate through it. The questions that kept you awake at night? You’ll find some answers, and for the ones you don’t, you’ll learn to live with the uncertainty.
I won’t tell you to stop wishing to grow up, because I know you. You’re eager, restless, and full of hope. But I will tell you this: cherish your innocence, your laughter, and even the tears. Those struggles you face now? They will shape you into someone strong, compassionate, and resilient.
You’ll find happiness in places you never expected. You’ll build relationships that make life worth it. And one day, you’ll look back at yourself—the child who once wanted to run away from childhood—and you’ll wish you could hold them and say, “It’s okay. You did well. You will be okay.”
So take your time. Live. Dream. Love. And when things get hard, remember—your future self is here, and they’re proud of you.
With all my love,
Your Older Self
