A Letter to my Sixteen Year Old Self (inspired by the novel of the same name)

Dear Caroline,

Just because you have a lot of clothes it doesn’t mean that you are stylish, so stop buying! You already know this, but I feel that I need to remind you. Rummaging through cheap Asian stores in Darling Harbour trying to find the cheapest and brightest item before anyone else is are not going to make you feel or look better. The same goes for "Vinnies." I know you tell yourself “its for charity” but the junk you buy doesn’t fit, and in a few years, after mum’s incessant hassling, you are going to throw out about 5 rubbish bags full of them. Sponsor a child instead.

Another piece of fashion advice is to stop wearing skiivis! They don’t look good! You think your boobs are too big and that, I understand, and that skiivis conceal them, but they in fact make them appear much bigger and rounder. Also, and probably most importantly, stop buying them in light colours! You are going to review photos and experience a real “what the hell was I thinking” moment, whilst hating the people around you for not tackling them off you thread by thread.

Stop looking back when it comes to love! I know that you are ferociously in love right now, but the truth is, dear girl, he does not love you back. You are wasting your time and energy and quiet frankly Aleen is sick of hearing your poems. The two of you will laugh about this in a few years, but for the time being it is really annoying her.

This is not to say that you shouldn’t fall in love, because you will, and it will feel wonderful! But, you should also learn when to fall out of it. Do not sacrifice your time and beliefs for people who only put up with you. Stand up for what you think is right, and when you have had enough say so. This will make people respect you, and most importantly allow you respect yourself.

Follow your intuitions, they almost never fail you. In fact, you are going to “meet” (if you have not so already) the man that you are going to want to marry because you did.
Like yourself. I must warn you that you are going to gain a heap of weight, but this is only because you do not like your body. Accept it, embrace it and you will find that things will change. I do not want to disclose too much but lets just say your boobs drop down to a 12B.

Be patient with you sister; she is going to surprise you. Right now, she is the 13 year old brat who mum is begging for you to take everywhere, but she is going to grow into a very determined young lady who, believe it or not, drives a better car than you! She will never stop taking your clothes, so it is most important that you keep hiding them (and remember where you put them).

You are going to learn that you parents are people too. They are doing the best they can so just be patient; especially with your mum. She is about to go through a lot so just be there for her. Although you don’t know it now, she is very intelligent and is going to set up you future in a way that will shock everyone.

One thing I will commend you on is your hard work. Well done on achieving great results at school, this will help you a lot in the future. Speaking of which, stop worrying, things have a funny way of falling into place.

Keep in touch with old friends. You will be amazed at how you can so easily pick up where you left off.

Do not settle for the first car you come across when you are shopping for a brand new one, despite what your dad says.

And lastly, and probably most importantly, cheap jeans fit the best!

Love always,
Caroline