Dear 20-Year-Old Me, If Only You Could See What’s Waiting For You

“Dear 20-year-old me,

I know it’s hard.

I know it’s hard seeing these girls you long to look like and hating what you see in the mirror.

I know it’s hard to feel bigger than all your friends.

I know it’s hard to feel pressured by what size you ‘should’ be.

But I wish you could see what I see now.

If only you could see you are more than any number on that tiny piece of equipment on your bathroom floor.

If only you could see you don’t have to kill yourself doing things you hate just because it’s what you’ve read online.

If only you could see you don’t have to go to bed dizzy and hungry every night or punish yourself for what you ate.

If only you could see just how capable you are.

Oh, 20-year-old me, if only you could see all your body really does for you.

While I wish I could go back in time and tell you all these things, all I can do now is appreciate all the hard lessons that shaped me, taught me and grew me into this woman standing here in front of you today.

This woman dancing around with her two littles, ones her body gave life to.

This woman moving her body in a way she loves.

This woman doing things because they make her feel GOOD and take care of her HEALTH.

This woman who eats fruits, veggies AND cookies in the same day.

This woman who shows up, puts her head down and works for what she wants physically, mentally and emotionally.

20-year-old me, if only you could see what’s waiting for you at the end of the dark tunnel you feel trapped in.

There is light. There is hope. There is happiness. There is self love. And there is a healthy body after two kids waiting for you.

Just you wait.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Kelsey Willey from St. Louis, MO. You can follow her journey on Instagram and her website. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.

Read more from Kelsey here:

‘The way you look at me, with those big blue eyes, I just know we already have a bond that will never be broken.’: Mom pens touching open letter to newborn daughter

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