Self-Awareness Question: Younger Self

[ysabetwordsmith]

Folks have mentioned an interest in questions and conversations that make them think. So I've decided to offer more of those. This is the current list on self-awareness.

24. What would you tell your younger self?

Use a rope so you stay with your traveling companion(s) instead of drifting into some other dimension.

Comments

[caera_ash]

Actually talk to your doctor about unpleasant things. The sleep problems and pain and constant slight ankle injuries are things that can be worked on, they aren't normal or just part of life as a middle schooler, and if you tell your mom that the doctor is dismissing you, she will take you to see another doctor because she cares and doesn't like doctors dismissing her any more than you do. Also, dentist appointments. Make sure you do those on schedule, bug Mom if she forgets or call yourself while she's in the room because getting to college and having no idea how to make an appointment is unpleasant and also you could have avoided so much pain going in sooner. Deal with little problems now so you don't start randomly crying your eyes out in a crowded class later. Also, keep seeing the counselor, and TELL SOMEONE about the panic attacks. And learn to grieve properly. You'll need that one. Don't just isolate yourself when you have family who will hug you no questions asked if you need it. Don't take Dad too seriously, and don't take his silence too personally, you do the exact same thing to literally everyone outside your household and his overdoing the googling is him not knowing how to help you from a distance. Him not reacting enough is your new trauma running into that plus his old trauma, talk to Big Erin or Valfather (including about how his response hurt) and they'll help. With both parts. They are the best (aside from Wren and Mom).

[jtthomas]

Ysabet, I’m now picturing small!you wearing one of those leash backpacks, but it’s a kraken and there’s a copy of The Hobbit tucked between it and you. And this image delights me.

Well ...

[ysabetwordsmith]

Close. It would've been a line with two wrist loops or two snaps, depending what turned out more comfortable. It has to be equal, not a leash with dominant and subordinate ends. I've thought about it; this is a tool in my box now, if I ever need it.

[we_are_spc]

Don't be afraid to write down what you see in your head, no matter how weird or inconceivable it seems to you. It's for you, notfor others to judge your own reality.

-T~

[redsixwing]

You don't know where the future's gonna end up, but you do know how to pick good skills and learn them. (Learn to swim.*)

Pay attention to that intuitive sense. Cultivate it. The people who tell you it's all made up, or worse, are wrong and can be safely worked around.

*This is metaphor, but actual swimming is pretty good too.

[lilly_c]

I'd tell my younger self work hard in silence, let success make the noise and of course always stand up to people who have appalling behaviour (bullies etc)

Go you!

[ysabetwordsmith]

This world desperately needs more upstanders.