Though the #5YearOldSelfie challenge isn’t the first one to encourage people to give advice to their younger selves (in an attempt to help those still struggling), it is the most recent one to go viral.
UK-based mental health organization Young Minds initiated the challenge and hashtag. Their mission statement is to “make sure all young people get the best possible mental health support and have the resilience to overcome life’s challenges.”
To participate, Twitter users tweeted pictures of their younger self along with 3 pieces of advice you’d have for that girl or boy, then tag three friends who you hope will add their own advice.
Take part in #5YearOldSelfie!
1) Find a photo of your younger self
2) Write 3 things you’d tell that child
3) Use #5YearOldSelfie
4) Tag 3 friends to help spread the love
Next time you feel down about yourself, remember your message to your #5YearOldSelfie💛 pic.twitter.com/0QolVqKpdv
— YoungMinds (@YoungMindsUK) August 8, 2019
The advice runs the gamut, but none of it is bad – below are 12 tweets that are bound to make you feel great about how far you’ve come (or to know that you’re going to be okay, and that it gets better).
12. Keep smiling.
#5YearOldSelfie
1) Your smile lights up any room
2) If you pursue what you think others would want you to do, you’re wasting your own time and happiness… stick to what you think is best for YOU
3) Never stop being a goofball 🧡 pic.twitter.com/9VeKpxy5Kj— Kiarra (@kikidaydream_) August 9, 2019
11. Things are about to change.
https://twitter.com/AlternativeHues/status/1159690645876989955
10. Don’t give away your toys.
1.) Be, unapologetically, YOU. Do what makes you happy. Create!
2.) Hang on to your cool toys so you don't have to re-buy them (for way more) on eBay as an adult
3.) Sorry to break it to ya, but your hairstyle is going to be the same, even in your mid-30s. 🤷♀️#5YearOldSelfie pic.twitter.com/BpbWEyB938
— The Homicidal Homemaker (@HomicidalKaci) August 9, 2019
9. You might be right.
https://twitter.com/BenRawlings16/status/1159766043084148736
8. Be brave.
https://twitter.com/dougleddin/status/1160084255646650368
7. You are loved.
#5YearOldSelfie
3 Things I would say to my 5 year old self.
1) Tell somebody.
2) It’s not your fault.
3) You are loved beyond measure.I tag @EffBeeEyeIC @nursegalmom @TheMuleFactor to post their own selfie and advice to their 5 year old self. pic.twitter.com/7piOdbrTlT
— Tracie (@TracieSeattle) August 8, 2019
6. Start drumming.
1.) Start drumming don't wait till you're 9 and choose more instruments to learn. 2.)Go to college before the Marines. 3.) Invest in that one stock we now know about! #5YearOldSelfie #Producer pic.twitter.com/yUrZpr8dNr
— CourtHouse Productions (@CourtHouseProd1) August 8, 2019
5. Life is waiting.
1. Don’t let all the bullies get you down
2. Be yourself and don’t care what anyone else thinks
3. Don’t be sad about not having friends, you’ll make all your friends in college and the real world.#5YearOldSelfie pic.twitter.com/fRwGNHkj40— Jason Bucknus 🇺🇦 (@PecosMcCleod) August 8, 2019
4. You matter.
1. Other people's opinions of you don't matter. YOU matter.
2. Stay weird.
3. Depression is NOT a death sentence. #5YearOldSelfie @AwkwardDragon52 pic.twitter.com/2zHbZtyfHE— 🦋🦄 Clumsy Unicorn 🦄🦋 (@ClumsyUnicorn87) August 9, 2019
3. Don’t fight with your mom.
1. Don't care too much what people think. Live for yourself.
2. Tell others how you feel, don't keep it all inside because it won't help.
3. Don't fight with your mom, love her because you'll need those moments to look back on. pic.twitter.com/94V6o3KLzK
— ☁ ☁ ☁ (@Fall_Vapor_KnJ) August 8, 2019
2. Stay weird.
https://twitter.com/JoanneOcean/status/1159636091747651585
1. It gets better.
1) I’m sorry you’re so sad.
2) Life gets better.
3) You’re gonna be fine.
BONUS) See a therapist. It’s cool. pic.twitter.com/BQNfyn82ga— AE Stueve (@AEStueve) August 8, 2019
Play along! Post yours in the comments!