What I’d Tell My Younger Self

This is my entry into Rick Henry Christopher’s Unofficial Challenge: The Self-Appreciation Challenge.

Back in 1996, an awkward teenage Sandy was hanging out with her so-called friends at school. One friend was talking about the house party they were throwing over the weekend. This was the first Sandy had heard about it, but the friend said everyone present was invited. How exciting, her first house party invite!

As the bell rang, the group made their way to class. Sandy was walking behind the host of the party and her best friend when she heard the friend say, “Did you have to invite Sandy?” The friend replied: “She was standing right there, what else could I do?”

Sandy’s elation came crashing down. She'd never felt like she fit in with the group, and this incident just confirmed her fears. She ran to the nearest toilet block and made her way to the end cubicle to hide her shame. As she entered the cubicle, she realised someone was already there.

An older woman with short brown hair and glasses was standing in the cubicle.

“Sorry,” said Sandy.

“No wait — I’m you. No, you’re me — I mean, we’re us!” replied the strange fumbling woman.

“I don’t understand,” said Sandy.

“I’m Sandy, I’m from the future.” The woman explained. “Unfortunately, you still remember this day in 2025, but I’ve come to let you know everything will be ok, you have some great qualities and I want to share them with you:”

1. “You’re goal-oriented:

After leaving school, you eventually decide that you want to turn your love for animals into a career. You take a vet nursing course and contact every vet hospital in your area. You land a low-paying job as a vet nurse, which you turn into a 13-year career at one of the busiest veterinary hospitals in Sydney. Over time, you work your way up to become head veterinary nurse.”

2. “You’re a great mum:

You have a gorgeous little boy. There are times when small doubts creep in, but you know you’re doing a great job and you’re giving him your very best.”

3. “You’re resilient:

In 2017, your family has a major health scare, and your boyfriend of ten years breaks up with you completely out of the blue. Your world comes crashing down. You wanted to turn into a hermit and hibernate, but you continue to see your friends and get out into the world. In just a few short months you meet your future husband and start a great life with him.”

4. “You stand by your values:

Including your role as a veterinary nurse, you end up having a few different careers, all of them paying minimum wage. You receive pressure from family and boyfriends to leave these jobs you enjoy to pursue high-paying careers. You stay strong, ignore all the pressure and continue doing the things you love.

5. “You appreciate the simple things in life:

You’re never bothered by the fact that you don’t have as much money as others. You’re generally happy if you’re surrounded by the people you love, and you have a good movie to watch.”

6. “You are capable of making friends:

Believe it or not, you do become less socially awkward with time, and talking to people becomes easier. You end up forming a close-knit group of friends who would do anything for you. You have some of the best years of your life partying with them in your 20s.”

7. “You’ve got guts in new situations:

In your late 30s, you move to another state, but you still find it easy to talk to people and you slowly build your friendship group again.”

8. “You can write:

One day out of nowhere, you decide to write an article. You publish it on Vocal Media and decide to write some more. You keep going, you love it, and you even write some Top Stories.”

9. “You’re super organised:

Whenever something needs to be done, you make it your goal to sort it out ASAP. This might sometimes preoccupy your mind until it’s finished, but when it’s done, it’s efficient and amazing”

10. “You can drive:

You say you don’t want to learn to drive now, you’re nervous. It takes a while but in your 20s, you get your licence. Now you drive your cute little blue car every day.”

The woman said to young Sandy,

“I know you feel awful today, but 30 years from now, high school is going to be such a small, insignificant part of your life. These people you call friends will be history and new lifelong friends will take their place. Hang in there, everything’s going to be just fine.”