avatarThe Rose Machine

Summary

The website content is a personal essay offering reflective advice and insights from an older self to a 16-year-old struggling with self-worth, learning difficulties, and self-acceptance.

Abstract

The article titled "Honest Advice to My 16-Year-Old Self" is a heartfelt reflection by the author, Rose Butcher, who wishes to impart wisdom to her younger self. It emphasizes the importance of self-worth independent of others' opinions, acknowledges the challenges faced due to undiagnosed learning difficulties, and encourages self-care and belief. The author also addresses the future struggle with self-acceptance, suggesting that consistent self-love can alleviate this. The essay includes a personal photograph from Unsplash and concludes with a call to action for readers to subscribe to the author's newsletter and join her writing community on Medium.

Opinions

  • The author expresses that self-worth should not be contingent upon the approval of others, particularly not on romantic interests or peers.
  • There is an acknowledgment of personal intelligence despite academic struggles, which are attributed to undiagnosed learning difficulties.
  • The author shares a personal journey of self-hatred that persists into adulthood, suggesting that perseverance in self-care can lead to no longer needing external validation.
  • The author invites readers to engage with their own pasts by considering what advice they would give to their younger selves.
  • There is a strong encouragement for readers to become part of the author's community, offering exclusive content through a newsletter and full access to Medium for writers and readers alike.

Honest Advice to My 16-Year-Old Self

If I could jump in a time machine and be there for myself at the crest of puberty — before it all came crashing down

Photo by Delorean Rental on Unsplash

Your worth isn’t defined by him, or them, or all the hims and thems to come. Their adoration of you won’t fill the void in your heart where self-love should be.

You’ll soon find yourself away from home and seeking harmful distractions because you can’t study. You’re not stupid. You’re living with undiagnosed learning difficulties.

You’re going to hate yourself for reasons you still don’t understand at the age of 32. If you keep trying every day to care for, believe in, and trust yourself, you won’t feel the need to anymore.

…

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

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Self
Self Love
Self Care
Life Lessons
Advice
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