To Karen at 11 from Karen at 48

Dear Karen, 

I’m writing this letter to you, me as an older Karen to you, a young eleven year old Karen.  There are many things that I have been happy to experience throughout my life and while I don’t want to spoil any surprises, there are a few things that I definitely want you to know. 

The fact that you are a girl does not have to stop you from doing anything that you want.  You can play any sport, and don’t be afraid of being good at it or being average at it.  You can read as many books as you like and work hard at school and even go to university.  Being a girl does not have to stop you from trying, doing and achieving.  You can find many ways to express yourself and be creative.  You can have any job that you want and you will have many jobs.  Aim high in life and be kind to others.  When others are unkind to you, understand that you don’t have to be friends with everyone, and let them go.  Treasure your true friends and always remember them.

You know how you really like working on projects at school?  And how you like learning about how people’s lives which are different to yours because of where they were born and the environment where they live?  Try and find a way to work on projects that interest you because you’ll be able to use your curiosity and passion to learn and work throughout your life.  Don’t be in too much of a hurry though, because there is a lot to learn and experience in this life and you will continue to learn and wonder at life every day, no matter how old you get.

Finally I’d like you to know that you shouldn’t wait around for others to make your dreams come true.  Only you can do that, and you will.  Listen to the voice inside yourself and be amazing.

 Love

Karen