Day 28 — Say something to your 15 year old self.

Dear Fifteen Year Old Louise,

You are going to have a wonderful life.

You are going to have a sad few years.

But no matter what happens, when you hit your mid- twenties

all the doubts you have about yourself now will be dispelled.

Being you, I know that you will dismiss a huge amount of what I am saying.

I wish you wouldn't.

Some of it is important.

Try to spend time with your family.

In five years time you will appreciate every good moment that you have spent with them.

Especially your siblings.

Ignore those who upset you and make you doubt yourself.

In ten years time you will barely remember their names never mind what they did.

And you will be happy.

You will grow up to be someone that you like.

You will love your ginger hair and your freckles.

You will have seen some beautiful places and met some beautiful people.

You will have your heart broken.

You will have your heart shattered.

And then, when you think that it will never be mended

You will meet the most perfect man ever.

And you will live your fairytale.

Keep writing.

It will help more than you can even fathom now.

Please don't start smoking.

Admittedly it is lovely to have a smoke with a coffee or a pint

but it is torture trying to quit.

Keep your mind open.

Keep your arms open.

Try to help those who need your help.

The day will come when that help will be returned.

Always think big.

If you try to reach the top of the mountain you may make it half way.

If you try to reach the sky, you may reach the top of the mountain.

Enjoy your life.

Enjoy those around you.

Always try to regret things you have done rather than things you haven't done.

But try not to regret.

Consider these things as lessons.

Make your mistakes.

Make them well.

Remember you are you.

You are Lu.

And NOBODY

can ever change that.

Not even you.