Hiya love.
It’s you, but older.
I’m 23 now, and I have so much I want to tell you.

You’re so sad right now, aren’t you?
I don’t know how to tell you this,
but sixth form is going to be so much worse.
You’re going to meet some nasty people
who will take your joy
and try and crush it beneath their heels
like you’re nothing more
than a burnt-out fag end.
University will be worse
but you are a brave, scrappy little bugger
and eventually you will realise
that his “love” is not love
and that day will take the weight of the world
off your ribs.

There will be moments where
you feel your light may go out entirely,
and you will try and stop wearing your heart on your sleeve
but please,
you should absolutely never stop loving so freely.
The world is so dark and horrible
and everyone needs more joy in their lives.
The kindness you put out into the world
will come back around to you eventually.
And yes, you deserve every ounce of it.

You’re worthy of kindness,
you’re worthy of love,
you’re worthy of so many good things
so have a little faith in yourself.

I love you, sweetheart.
You got this.