#1
The Process...
Introduction
Using the narrative based essay I wrote about the psychic experience I had as my artifact of origin— as my inspiration behind this project,— my first experiment was a letter to my younger self. That experience I had, however shocking and far-fetched it may have been, opened my eyes and catalyzed a journey of growth, self-discovery, and self-love. So, for my first experiment, I revisited that moment in my life, more specifically, I revisited the person I was during that moment. The woman I am today has undergone so much growth, has learned so much about herself and the world around her, and has begun to come to terms with many of the demons and much of the hurt that she carries around, that which younger Melanie would try so hard to ignore. I would love to write to the girl I used to be, to a younger Melanie, not only because I would want to begin this project demonstrating growth, but also because if I could go back in time and tell my younger self that everything was going to be okay, I would.
Sample...
Dear Melanie,
It’s been almost three years since the summer it happened. Growing up, you read countless stories and watched numerous movies about summers that changed lives, believing that experience to be a fanciful one— until it happened to you.
I remember you standing there speechless, in utter shock after that woman, one whom you still wonder about today, uttered those words: “You are the kind of girl who braves a big smile for the world, but you hold a lot of hurt in your heart.” I remember you being unable to cry in the moment, but going home and sobbing yourself to sleep that night and for many nights afterwards. Truth be told, I still bawl at the thought of those words today, but today the tears come from a different place, a better place.
…....
Melanie, to you, I say hang in there because it truly does get better. I know how unfathomably difficult that simple phrase may be to believe, but take it from me, from a stronger you, that it does. I know you’re hurting, Melanie. I know your heart aches right now because for so long, you’ve dismissed your pain and locked away your hurt, actions fueled by the desire to be loved by those around you in order to fill the void of the love that you don’t have for yourself. But, believe me when I say that this experience will do more good for you than harm. Soon, you will embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-love, and though sometimes you may lose your way, you will never look back.
…....
Melanie, I wish I could tell you that today you are everything you’ve ever wanted to be. I wish I could tell you that you are always confident; that you are always brave; that you are always honest about your feelings with yourself and with those around you; and, that you always feel worthy. I wish I could tell you that you are completely and utterly happy with who you are. But, as much as I wish I could, I can’t say any of those things to you sincerely. However, I can say to you that today you are light years closer than you were that summer. You are light years closer to being that woman you’ve always wanted to be.
…....
You are stronger than you know, Melanie Esterine.
Love,
You, Melanie— just a few years older and wiser
Little did I know when I wrote this sample, that this letter would become my final project. Want to see how it turned out? Discover 💖
