Letter to my younger self - Amina Aden

Dear younger me;

I know you are probably wondering where you'll be in 15-20 years time. You’re also probably wondering if your dreams will be the same dreams?

The best advice I can give to you is to always keep your family close; you will start to appreciate them more as you get older. Don't worry about parting ways with friends; trust me, that's the least of your worries.

When you go back to the motherland for the first time, you'll be in for a culture shock! I know you always thought you'll never go, but when you do, you will finally realise what love is.

As you get older, your love for sports will increase each year, but be sure to stay safe and avoid any major injuries that will ruin your goals and dreams.

When you're 19, I think you'll finally find something you weren't looking for at that time, but hold on to it because a few years later that could be the light at the end of a dark tunnel.

Don't ever give up. You probably hear it a lot from your teachers at school, telling you what you can't do, but I promise you, you will not only prove them wrong but also yourself.

Believe in yourself; you will find your confidence the first time you lace up those basketball shoes and step on the court, you will turn into a person you never knew existed!

Most importantly, love yourself, care for yourself, believe in yourself and be yourself! Don't ever change for anyone, because those who are close to you will love you how you are.

The bond between yourself and Hooyo (mother) will only get stronger as you get older, I really can't emphasise on the importance of family as you get older it will be transparent.

I know that you get everything that you want at your age, don’t get use to it, because in the real world you will have to work for everything you want. However be sure to remember the key difference between what you want and what you need.

Learn to not be disappointed at everything that doesn't go how you expect. Surely we plan, but Allaah is the best of planners! Remember that every obstacle will make you a stronger person, and that a downfall doesn't mean you can't get back up.

When you're 16, you'll experience a pain that you will never have known existed, crushing all dreams you had, but be sure to keep your faith in Allah, because you won't regret the choices you make. It's a minor setback for a major comeback.

Yours truly (ironically),

You.

Amina Aden