A Letter to Myself as a Child

Dear Barbara,

I’ve been wanting to write to you for some time now as I’ve lived a long life and made many mistakes and I don’t want you to make those same mistakes. I have lots of advice for you so please pay attention.

Firstly, you must study hard. I can see that I’m losing you already. It’s really important to study your Maths and English. Concentrate now, Barbara and get your mind off Perry Como and Harry Belafonte. I know ‘Catch a falling Star’ is in the Top Ten hit parade but it won’t get you a good job. Don’t you want to go to University or Teacher’s College? All you will be doing is singing ‘I Never Felt More Like Singing the Blues’ or ‘Ain’t That a Shame’ but it will be too late then, won’t it? Guy Mitchell or Pat Boone won’t help you, will they?

Secondly, I want to talk to you about friendships and relationships. Stop groaning, Barbara. You are really making this letter very hard for me. I know your head is in the clouds over the boy next door. Is he worth wasting your time in day dreams? When you choose a partner make sure that you have hobbies and interests in common. I know what is best for you. I can see that you are miles away Barbara. This is important now. Remember to choose your friends, yes and boy friends, (stop giving me that look, Barbara), like you would choose a good book. Not by the cover. I know Mr Darcy is your pin up boy and as for Heathcliff well he is another kettle of fish. Boys are never like the elegant Mr Darcy or the passionate Heathcliff’. Love is…… Well, what more can I tell a girl who has a mind of her own and won’t listen to well meant advise!

Thirdly, you must always wear a hat when you go out in the sun. I didn’t and look at me. It won’t happen to you, Barbara? Well, let me tell you that it will and it has. Getting those sunspots burnt off is not fun. I know from first hand experience. Oh! What’s the point of telling you anything when your mind is at the movies? ‘Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.’ That was Rhett Butler who said that not Scarlett O’Hara. And what’s more your attention span is appalling. Even worse than Scarlett’s, if that is possible.

Well lastly, let me say this. Enjoy nature. Walk amongst the trees. Watch a nesting bird. Find a tiny ground orchid. See an echidna try to burrow into the ground. Boring. I know. Stop thinking about the beach and your new swimmers. I know you want ‘To be Bobby’s Girl’. OK. I give up. It’s no use putting an old head on young shoulders. Life is not like that. Make the same mistakes. Hopefully, you will learn from your mistakes.

However, I’ll let you in on a secret; I still continue to make mistakes. I probably will do so till the end of my life. Love and best wishes - Barbara