This letter is published as part of a Girls Out Loud campaign to raise awareness of the need to empower and inspire the nation’s teenage girls. 
Girls Out Loud is a social enterprise on a mission to provide young women with professional, female role models from their local area who can help them navigate the tricky teenage years.
This year, the organisation is hosting its first ever Shining Stars Ball to raise money for its vital work. To find out more about Girls Out Loud, please visit girlsoutloud.org.uk.
Sophie is a Clinical Psychologist with 25 years’ experience. She has worked in the NHS and in Higher Education in the UK, Australia and Belgium. She specialises in working with children and families.
Hi you,
First, wow, you were so hard on yourself! I can’t quite believe you thought you weren’t good enough. You really don’t have to get top marks in everything or be liked by everyone. What you look like really doesn’t matter as much as you think it does.
You will be loved, cherished by someone who is amazing. You will find the things in life that matter to you that will ignite your passion and that doesn’t have to be what everyone else expects you to do.
Life will most definitely throw you some curve balls. You can’t control or plan out your life, stuff just happens sometimes. But you will get through it and come out a stronger and kinder person.
Do ask for help! Don’t be ashamed if you need help. You don’t have to deal with everything on your own. It really is OK, people will not think any less of you for being a bit vulnerable.
Take opportunities when they come up, even if they seem daunting or difficult. You will love the challenge. And you don’t have to get it right first time. And, a little more patience and practice really does make the difference.
Most of all, know that you are just great as you are, be yourself and don’t try to be anyone else. Learn, love and explore the world and all it has to offer. Have fun, enjoy yourself and don’t take life too seriously.
From,
Me.
