If I could go back and talk to my younger self, I would tell him to relax more and that all would turn out fine. I spent a lot of time and energy, worrying about the stupidest of things.

I worried about whether I could ever find someone who would love me, worried about dumb things that I had done, and even worried about the happiest I did find.

I think that’s the tricky thing about growing up in an alcoholic/dysfunctional familly—I always waited for something bad to happen. When you grow up with uncertainty, change, and your fear of it, are wired into your head.

In looking back, I wish I had someone who I could have talked to, who would have shared with me some wisdom or advice on how to get through some of the difficult times. I didn’t have that, and I can’t go back to fix any of those times.

Using this exercise to pretend that I could go back in time is helpful because I can use that save advice today or for my future self.

I still struggle with worrying.

But being more mindful of my struggles and the challenges I go through is helpful.

What works for me might not work for you.

Write a letter to your younger self and see what you put down in it. Good luck and be easy on yourself.

Like what you’ve read? Be sure to check out my other posts in my Let Go and Be Free blog.