A Letter to My 18-Year-Old Self
No. 64 - A note to the girl I was, from the woman I’ve become
I just finished reading Oona Out of Order. Oona, the protagonist, lives her life out of order—time traveling to a different year each time the clock strikes midnight on her birthday.
Each year, Oona receives a letter from her past self, warning her of upcoming mistakes in the hope that she’ll avoid them—and maybe some of the heartache, too. But each year, Oona inevitably doesn’t listen and falls into the same patterns.
I won’t give away any spoilers, but the book made me think a lot about my younger self, and what the letter I’d write to her would say. In honor of Oona, here it goes…
Dear 18-year-old Bri,
I know you feel old and mature right now, but you’re about to enter years of immense growth—filled with challenges and lessons, some you’ll learn the hard way.
This next season will also be so much fun, but try not to keep up with your peers when it comes to drinking. Despite what you think, you can’t handle alcohol as well as they can.
Forgive quickly. Don’t hold on to anger for so long—the only person it hurts is you.
Take your academics seriously. You’re inquisitive and bright, and so much smarter than you give yourself credit for.
Go to the Obama rally on your college campus in 2008. Not going and missing that moment in history will become one of your biggest regrets.
The world is so much bigger than you think—and also much smaller. Don’t worry so much about what others think. Just be yourself.
Spend as much time with your family as you can, they’re incredible. Be kinder and more compassionate toward your mom. You’ll come to see she’s your biggest cheerleader, strongest support system, and best friend. You both need each other more than you know.
Not a single one of the boys you cry over was ever worth your time. That guy in the seersucker suit you met at your brother’s wedding? He’ll come back into your life when the timing is perfect.
Time moves so fast. Be brave. Take more risks. Don’t waste a single minute you could be happy by sitting around wondering “what if?”.
Your faith will find you again and again, no matter how far you feel you’ve wandered. It’s the anchor of your life.
You’ll end up with two beautiful boys and a husband you adore—and who adores you back. Motherhood will be more incredible than you ever imagined.
Don’t stress about having your whole life figured out. Try to be present more. Fate has a way of putting all the pieces together—just trust it.
Love,
36-year-old Bri
Would I have listened to that more mature version of me? Or, like Oona, would I have learned that fate has a way of unfolding no matter what? Who knows. But it’s comforting—and a little fun—to look back and reflect.
What advice would you give your younger self?
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🍗 Brandon discovered Shred Happens on Instagram so we decided to try one of his recipes this week. We made the one pan lemon chicken and our kids loved it as much as we did!
📖 I just finished listening to the audiobook version of Melinda French Gates Book - The Next Day and I absolutely love it. I think any mother or woman would appreciate it.
If you enjoyed this week’s Modern Motherhood Musings, I’d appreciate it so much if you’d share it with a friend!
Happy Friday, Friends!
