Dear younger me: Life lessons

Imagine if you could go back in time and know then what you know now. Wouldn’t it be great?

Over the last month, teens in care and care leavers from all over the UK have been taking part in our #dearyoungerme campaign by writing postcards to their younger selves. They’ve shared some wonderful, inspiring and heartfelt messages, words of encouragement, and advice – all the things they wish they’d have known earlier. Their messages touch on a wide range of themes, including relationships, confidence, stigma, education and mental health.

Here is a selection of the best postcards below around the theme of ‘life lessons’.

There are going to be so many things that are going to happen in my life. I’m going to lose people, have my heart broken, and make loads of silly mistakes and feel low. But just remember, you’re beautiful, and much better than you think.

Don’t worry, everything is ok, turn that frown upside down, everything will be fine. I’ve been where you are now and I got through it. You can too.

I know it’s hard but keep calm and don’t run away, take drugs and alcohol. Respect your carers, be careful who you mix with.

I love you so much and thank you for staying away from trouble. I wanna give you a hug.

You need to understand that none of this was your fault and that it’s ok to love people. You can’t block and hate everyone for ever.

The version of me now is not as I expected, there are many an option I have missed out on and there are two quotes that you will be familiar with: “Don’t be the one who follows the loudest voices” and “You only get out what you put in”.