Dear 12 Year Old Dot

Dear Dot,

End of Year 7? That didn't go as badly as expected! That stupid anxious feeling you keep getting, yeah that's not gone yet. But you're better at handling it now. Which is good news. You'll start to understand it in about 4 years time. 

You'll have fun over the next few years. You start to make your own decisions and form your own opinions, which you've never really had the freedom to do before. There's no longer a right and wrong answer. There's all these different circumstances and solutions in between 'Yes' and 'No' which you get to explore and choose which you like.

I should probably say, you might want to try and be politer. I know snapping at people is your 'defense mechanism' but the people you're snapping at have done absolutely nothing to deserve it. They're good eggs who you'll actually make friends with in a few months. Bear that in mind and be nice. Please. You don't want to develop a name for yourself as a rude bitch, right?

You're happy though. And that's good. 

Something I should probably bring up. Your sport.. Clearly you're rather talented at it, and goodness it's doing wonders for your body. Appreciate it whilst it's there. Honestly, throw yourself into every training session, 100%. Leave dripping in sweat. Try your absolute hardest. Those doubts you're having about some people at the club, you're completely right. Steer away from them and stick with your pals. Things are going to change there an awful lot and you're going to let it get to you. I won't ruin the surprise of what actually happens but keep your wits about you and don't let yourself be manipulated by the so called 'hero' who comes to save the day.

You're doing well though at this stage. Everything seems secure, safe and happy. 

You've not realized the mess you've created behind you, but you're happy. That's all that's important right? Well, not quite. But that'll get resolved sooner or later and you do make up for behaving like a little brat. 

One other very small thing, go the doctors about your skin. Please! Because 18 year old you is facing the consequences of you hiding your crappy skin for 5 years under a heap of cheap makeup.

That's all. I'll check back in a couple of years time to give you an update.

Love from
Dot x

I'm pretty sure this was released when I was 12... I'm sorry if I am wrong