I have absolutely loved reading everyone's letters to themselves, so I decided it was time to do my own!

The song I've chosen to reflect myself over the past few years is 'Rain on Me' by Lady Gaga. I've always loved Gaga, her music makes me feel like myself and my family and friends say that they always think of me when her songs come on. This song resonates with me because it's all about learning how to sing in the rain and make the best of life, even when things are hard. Of course "I'd rather be dry...but at least I'm alive, rain on me". 

To my own damn self,

You’ve had some real challenges to deal with recently, like…

• Getting COVID 
• Managing lockdown and isolation without your family
• Getting through your Honours thesis
• Finding your feet after uni and getting used to full-time work
• Helping some of your family members and close friends through tough times

I’m grateful that you got through tough times by…

• Reaching out to your family
• Being open and vulnerable with your friends
• Working hard at uni and work
• Being kind and compassionate with yourself when you made mistakes 
• Being mindful and brave when working through your OCD and depression
• Showing up for yourself

Over the past two years, you learnt more about yourself. You learnt…

• That you have a passion for teaching, and that perhaps this is a path you should explore in the future
• Looking after your body is just as important as all the work you do to look after your mind
• That you feel your best when you're busy and people expect something from you
• That you're not as introverted as you thought, and that coming home to a house full of people is better than spending lots of time alone 
• What it's like to have a best friend 
• That RuPaul's Drag Race is your soul food 

I’m excited for the future because

• You're graduating from uni in 3 weeks and you're getting the degree you've always wanted!
• You get to start your Masters next year and take one step closer to becoming a clinical psychologist
• You've nearly saved up enough money to move in with your partner
• The world is opening up again, and you might have the time and money to travel
• World Pride is coming to Australia in 2023!

Here’s a picture that sums up the growth I’ve done recently:

Yours truly, Me.