"If I could write a letter to me And send it back in time to myself at (16)"

I stumbled upon this blog today. I was instantly taken by this blog, as I have flicked through the book, by the same name. The book is called, 'Dear Me: A letter to my Sixteen-Year-Old Self.' What a delicious idea! The book is a collection of these very letters, written by (mostly) British personalities.





Here are a few of my favourites:





Burt Bacharach





"Dear Me,



At 16 I am so glad that I listened to my Mother, and kept taking piano lessons



Burt"







Patsy Kensit





"Dear Sixteen Year Old Patsy,



You adore music more than anything in the world, you have a great passion for rock'n'roll...but that doesn't mean you have to marry the lead singer of every band you ever had a poster of, on your bedroom wall.



Love Your older you!"







And my favourite...





Emma Thompson



"Dear Em (16)



I realise that you are young and in love and that nothing much that anyone old says seems relevant, but seeing as it's me - just us, you.. That is, US I think it's worth a go.

Two Top Tips from 50 to 16:



1) Don't EVER EVER EVER EVER bother to go on a diet. I know you're obsessed and have that awful thing of standing in the 6th form canteen trying to choose between a yoghurt & a breathe of fresh air (whilst wanting chips & a cheese salad). Don't sweat it. Eat regularly, try & avoid rubbish and never diet. You'll end up the same size anyway, so drop it girl & drop it NOW. Believe me - nobody cares. Diets are the best way of confusing your metabolism for the rest of your life. Just be you & get on with it, I cannot tell you how much energy you'll save & how much happier you'll be.



2) When he says he doesn't love you, believe him. He doesn't.



That's it. All the other mistakes you make are worth their weight in gold.



I love you - Em (50)"







If you were to write a letter to your 16-year-old self, what would it say? I for one am going to think about it...

                                                                                                                                                                

So two days ago I wrote this post. I'm now ready to add my letter....



Dear Nicole,



This year, you will find yourself. You will buy funky fashions from second-hand shops. Some people will laugh at your style. Don't worry - you are just ahead of the times, as in a few years everyone will be wearing massive sunglasses, huge earrings and chunky plastic jewellery. Also badges will become 'cool' as will long, long curly hair. Look who is laughing now! You will fall in love with painting - keep at it. You have a few friends that are angels. Hold tight to them, and let the others go their own way. The handful that you keep hold of will provide you with enough Love, support & laughter to see you through the next six years - and probably a lifetime. You will find Love. My goodness it is worth the wait. The next couple of years will be a roller coaster - hold on tight and enjoy the ride.



From the slightly older you.

XXX

Me, age sixteen on Christmas Day.