An Important Letter to My Younger Self

If I had known then what I know now…

People in our lives play a significant role in shaping how we see ourselves.

When we're young and impressionable, we look up to the adults around us to model our behavior. Our parents, grandparents, teachers, uncles, aunts, and family friends contribute to the identities we create.

If, for instance, you're often told that you are dumb or ugly, you grow up believing those things. They end up becoming part of how you define yourself.

When I was little, I had people who believed in me. I had people who encouraged me and valued my creativity. But there were also people who did the opposite.

My letter to little old me

If I could send a letter to my younger self, I would write:

Dear Andrea,

You are enough.

Yes. You are.

Throughout your life, you will encounter people who will try to make you feel small. Don't let them. Keep dreaming big.

Your body

For some reason, people feel the need to shame your body. They're projecting their insecurities onto you.