Things I'd to say to my younger self but I get progressively older
To my 4 year old self: I know you're frustrated being forced into that game of duck duck goose. Why waste time on something so childish when you could be sitting by the tree, watching the crabs go in and out of the sand? This will be one of your earliest recollections of social pressures causing you to conform, to fit with the crowd.
To my 9 year old self: At recess you're "the boss." You're strong headed and own it, but you don't know what this means.
To my 15 year old self: Your naivety has faded. You question if you're being "too much," "too aggressive," "too manly."
To my 16 year old self: You're sanding your edges, doing your best to be more palatable. "Surely if I become more agreeable then everyone would like me right?"
To my 19 year old self: Your indifference is growing and it seems like a good thing. You're slow to anger and rarely get stressed.
To my 20 year old self: Your indifference is causing resentment and you're completely unaware of it.
To my 21 year old self (3 months ago): Everything is coming back to bite you. You've overcompensated and lost the teeth you used to have. Your calm outward appearance is struggling to contain the waves of anxiety and fear clashing inside you.
To my 21 year old self (last week): Change is possible. You can take active steps to assert your mind and put yourself first. If you won't do it, who will?