Dear 13 year old me,

From these first three words, you may be wondering who is writing the letter to you. It is me, you later in life. I have written this letter and posted it back to you, to open on your 13th birthday.

I hope you enjoyed finding the string puppet that mum and dad put on the bottom of your bed this morning. Take care of it and make sure you keep unknotting the strings when you put it back in its box. And be warned, this isn’t the only advice I will be giving you in this letter. Have a wonderful, special day today. Oh, and when mum puts the trifle bowl near you at dinner tonight, move it out the way. Please take this advice, as you will doze off at some point and very suddenly wake up with a face full of custard and cream!

So, now to explain why I am writing this letter. You are doing so well, way better than you give yourself credit for. I know things aren’t great at school, but they will get better. Listen to Mr New when he sits down with you and tells you that he had confidence in your abilities. Things will fall into place and, with good study, you will do amazingly.

Now on to the next few years, I am not going to tell you what happens (by the way, it is all good), but I do need for you to recognise that you need to give yourself recognition for what you do. Even now, you are being way too hard on yourself. Take a few minutes each day to look at all the good things you do and achieve. You will make a few mistakes, but that is simply a part of learning. Hold your head up high and be proud of you. I’ll be beside you as your conscience, every step of the way. If ever you are in doubt, close your eyes and ask any questions. I promise to offer you any guidance and words of wisdom that I have. Whether you follow it is up to you (and I know that sometimes, that you will do the complete opposite, but hey that’s okay!).

You are a dreamer, you always have been and always will be, follow those dreams You have a heart, please listen to it. You are a great chap, with more qualities than you will ever give yourself credit for. Please don’t doubt yourself, you are worth everything and more.  

One day you will be me, now, writing this letter to your 13 year old self. You’ll know why you are writing this letter. You will have a big smile on your face (and maybe even a tear in your eye). You are going to do a lot of good, just make sure you allow yourself to recognise it and stop giving yourself a hard time.

Happy 13th Birthday!!!!

Lots of love and the warmest hug in the world from me (you) xx