To my younger self

by Karen Shnider

Our fabulous Anne & Gilbert cast have been writing letters as their characters to their 18-year-old selves, or their future selves for the younger cast members, offering advice and insight or reveal their hopes and aspirations. Karen Shnider who is playing Mrs Pye has written a wonderful letter full of optimism and hope.

To my younger self,
Where do I begin to talk about life without sounding like an oldie giving too much advice?
Remember when you were encouraged to literally " get back on the horse" when you when riding and on occasion fell off or it didn't go to plan? Well, that's life and it is the best advice I can offer, to get back on and try again.
Resilience is what life is all about. Life will throw such curveballs to you and life may not turn out to what all your fantasies and dreams were as a youngster, but life is a gift and is precious and should be appreciated at all costs. Just remember no matter how bad you think life is for you, there will always be someone worse off.... look down and you will see this before you look up and wish you had what someone else has in life. If you have your health you are so rich, more than you will ever be able to appreciate as a young one.
When you meet the man of your dreams ( probably Jock because you are head over heels in love with him!) please be gentle. He is not a very social person like you who loves to be in crowds and socialize but he has qualities that deserve every respect and appreciation. He is a loyal, dedicated boy to you, value his qualities.
Please Imelda remember to say too little than say too much!!! You tend to get so excited when you are in a crowd and this could be misconstrued as gossip. Learn to listen to others and you don't always have to have an opinion. Allow others to ask for your opinion should they want it! Just be there for your friends and community. Learn to sit with silence and the realisation that sometimes that is more valuable as a friend than always voicing an opinion.
Oh, Imelda, I know how much you are wanting to have a family of your own. I hope you become a mother because I really believe you will be a good one. Your children will always pull at your heartstrings even when they are independent in their own right. You will never stop being a Mother, it is something that will be with you for the rest of your life. Please be mindful of not trying to live your life through your children. Enjoy their achievements with them and be their shoulder when they need you. Just as you wanted to make your life decisions allow them to make their own too. I know you will always be there for your children no matter what.
My last thing to say to you my younger self is that if life throws lemons at you make lemonade!! Treasure each day life is very short!!