I wrote this letter to myself on my first day blogging, to remind me why I started this journey. As you read, I encourage you to think about what you might write to your younger self. If you are feeling up for it, write those thoughts down.
Dear me,
You can’t save them all, but you are doing a beautiful job caring for the people around you. Now it is time to save yourself, to grow, and to fall in love with that person you are becoming. Really fall in love, and accept all the parts of you that you can’t change. Wear sunscreen, especially on your scars. When you get hurt, like all those sprained ankles you will get and gymnastics injuries you will have, please for the love of all things good just let it heal. You have nothing to prove to others or yourself about your strength. I know you are strong, but stay soft. Ice the hurt instead of running on it and pretending nothing is wrong. Do the same for your mental health. Take breaks, nurture your mind and body instead of punishing them.
Soak it all in when your Papa tells you about your Italian family, about what it means to be a Roberto. Remember what his face looks like, because someday when you look in the mirror at your gorgeous Roberto nose, you might not see why it is so beautiful. Picture him traveling across the Atlantic Ocean with Nonna and Uncle Tony, ready to start a new life, his face pointed out to his new home, smelling the salty air. He and Nonna gave everything he had for your genetic make up today.
It’s okay that you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up right now. All you know is you want to grow up to be kind, and happy, and make the world around you a better place. You will, and that middle school math class is not going to stand in the way.
You will get out of your little town, and travel the world, and live in cities you have not yet seen. So for now, walk to the lake, spend time with your neighbors, and appreciate that everybody knows everybody in the little white church downtown.
Give so very many hugs, and never ever be the first one to let go of the people you love. Also, did I mention the sunscreen yet?
Love,
Me
Burned Out Babes 