Dear Imogen – 6 years my younger…
I’m writing you this letter because you’re embarking on a whole new journey, which you don’t know anything about… 18 is a big deal right? At 18 you can get a credit card, buy a house, become a stripper if you really wanted to. But no-one ever tells you you’re not actually old enough to do all of those things. Legally, yeah go for it. But realistically was you ever taught how to handle money? Did anyone tell you there’s highs and lows to life?
Well, I’m about to tell you about the next few years just around the corner.
I’m about to open up to you, to tell you it will get better and you will grow up (at some point).
18 years of age… you finish your long term boyfriend, everyone thinks you’re going to marry.
You move to a completely new City.
You work retail job after retail job. Hours on end you spend moving shoes into nice, neat places on the shop floor. Staring out of the only window waiting for your shift to end.
You get shouted at for not placing coat hangers an equal finger width apart from each other.
You dream about travelling.
You dream about having a career you actually love.
You get on to a Broadcast Television course!
You move into University Halls.
You drink too much, party too much and burn yourself out.
You go through a life changing, traumatic experience which you have to stand up in court and defend yourself about.
You start to learn that being a woman isn’t just a beautiful experience, there’s a much darker side too. A side that makes you wary of all men.
Your life is turned upside down.
You quit University.
You move back home.
You can’t leave the house.
You lose every ounce of confidence and self-worth you ever had.
You feel lost even when you’re surrounded by the people you love.
You feel lonely even when you’re surrounded by the people you love.
You suffer from depression and anxiety.
Now you understand what it’s like to have a panic attack.
You’re prescribed drugs.
You go to counselling.
Counselling isn’t for you.
Over time, you heal.
Then…You get offered your first TV runner job.
Things start to look up.
You concentrate on your career, you make friends, you find hope.
Eventually after another relationship ending you meet the love of your life (this time whom you will marry).
After a whirlwind 3-4 months, you move to London with him.
You both work in Television Production arguably one of the hardest industries to break into. You should be proud! Very proud.
You explore London with your soul mate.
You experience what it’s like living in a tiny studio flat with your best mate.
You get a job on your favourite TV show First Dates!
You have the time of your life with one of the best teams you’ve ever worked with…
You become so stressed with the work life balance you consume your whole body weight in chocolate.
You soon learn the London life has to end sometime.
You move back up North to a cushty apartment.
You realise the lifestyle you’re living isn’t making you happy – things need to change.
You leave TV.
You set yourself new challenges, new goals and start a new chapter in your life.
You get your shit together, you lose over two stone with the help of a very special dude.
You start a whole new career.
Things start to look up…
Don’t worry you can plan the rest…just remember to smile more, let go of silly arguments, don’t take life too seriously, and STOP worrying! And that’s not just you…that’s every single one of you!
Peace out xxx
EDIT: I just wanted to write a PS. to this blog post. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without my family and friends. I have certain people in my life who have been the ultimate rocks and I can’t thank them enough. Liam you’ve helped me become a healthier, happier person and I can’t tell you how gracious I am. Daisy, you’ve been a little angel of a sister you’ve listened to my tears, whining and whinging – thanks for being my sissy and best friend. The rest of you know who you are too! xxx
