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If you had the opportunity, what would you say to your younger self? What advice would you offer?
This month I’ve spent quite a bit of time at an all-girls school based in Melbourne, running workshops and presentations to different groups of students. Most of the girls I worked with were in Year 10. As I sat with them, so many would open up and share what’s been playing on their mind – their concerns, their beliefs and desires. Though the girls were well educated, opinionated and strong, they were still seeking support and guidance from somebody who’s been in their shoes. I felt so honoured to have been given the opportunity to spend quality time with them. The experience brought me back to my high-school days, which as of next year concluded 10 years ago. How time flies!
On Monday I took out a letter I wrote earlier this year. It was addressed to my younger self, age 16. And just like my work at this school in Melbourne, I set out to do the same thing in this letter – to help me see that I was never alone and that I was supported. It also aimed to remind me that beauty can’t be bought and that my body is not my currency. Unsurprisingly, body image is a real issue at the moment, especially amongst teenage girls. As a teen, it’s very easy to get caught up in the world of social media. Cyber bullying is at an all-time high, as well as those suffering with mental health issues. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), one in four teens have a mental illness, and one in three girls suffer from an anxiety disorder.
So with all of this in mind, I thought I’d share my own personal letter to my 16-year-old self. Why? Well the messages within it really do transcend across generations. So no matter what gen you are, I know one of two things will happen – you’ll gain a new kind of perspective or it’ll refresh some of the things you deep down know to be true. Either way, may this Wise Words podcast empower you to live your best life. And if you’re like me and work with young women, or are a young chick yourself, just know you are worthy and that you’re destined for great things.
PS. If you love this episode, don’t forget you can subscribe and give a 5-star rating to The Promenade With Me Podcast on iTunes, TuneIn & Stitcher. This will help the show reach even more people. Thanks a million!
Gianna & The PWM Team xx