BoldlyU Magazine Issue 4 | Page 39

ST RICT LY T WEENS

Dear Future Me

No one ever talks to me , and when they do it always feels like mean things . I mean I have friends , but they all seem to have more friends than me , and I ' m just tagging along . It seems like everyone in school wants me to know that I am different . Is this going to last forever ?
Past You * Name changed for anonymity
Future You

Dear Past Me

Short answer- no , middle school won ’ t last forever ( thank goodness !). Longer answer- no , middle school won ' t last forever , but yes , you will always be different . That ' s not necessarily bad news , though ! It ' s amazing , miraculous even that there is not one person on this planet that is exactly like you ! Learning to love your true and imperfect self can be a difficult and daunting task , but it is the most rewarding thing you ' ll ever set your mind to . Try approaching your self-love the same way you would breaking a bad habit , practice ! Everyday tell yourself in the mirror " I love you !". I mean , really look yourself in the eyes , point at your own reflection and say it like you mean it . It sounds and feels weird at first , but the more often you say it , the more it begins to feel natural , and you start to believe what you ' re saying . When you love yourself so boldly , the world won ' t be able to help but follow .
Submit your questions and concerns to mikala @ boldlyu . com to get helpful advice from our experienced columnists . Your questions will be kept anonymous .