Magazine queen Ita Buttrose writes a letter to her 16-year-old self and offers her a road map for life.
Dear Ita,
Well, look at you! Just 16 and already a cadet journalist! That’s one in the eye for all those doomsday merchants who kept telling you that journalism cadetships were never given to anyone under 17 and you were wasting your time trying to impress the boss with your enthusiasm.
Throughout your career, there always will be people prepared to tell you that you can’t or shouldn’t do something you’ve set your heart on. By all means listen to what they have to say, but if the drum you hear is beating loudly, follow it.
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Trust your gut feelings and never lose your belief in yourself. Remember, no one else will ever dream your dreams or understand what drives you.
Your life will be full of detours, but it will never be boring. You will climb some awesome mountains. It won’t always be smooth sailing, though. Sometimes, projects and love won’t turn out the way you hope and, occasionally, you’ll find the going tough, but your inner strength and self-confidence will always get you through.
Remember, tough times don’t last, tough people do. Right now, you have no idea that it’s a man’s world, but when you decide to branch out of the women’s pages of Sydney’s Daily and Sunday Telegraphs, where you did your journalism training, some of your male colleagues will not welcome you.
Their hostility will come as a bit of a shock at first. Some men will resent your ability and even be jealous of it. That’s a sobering lesson to learn, but it is men’s insecurity, not yours, that’s the problem.
You’ll even be accused of “frightening” men. It’s hard to believe, isn’t it, but it seems some men are terrified by talented, intelligent women. What kind of mothers did they have, I wonder? Make sure you don’t raise your son to have that kind of blinkered attitude. I know you won’t!
Cherish your friendships. Loyal friends who you can trust are worth their weight in gold. Some friends you thought were close friends will let you down. It will hurt, but it’s not the end of the world. You will come to understand that duplicity is part of life’s rich tapestry.
Never carry a chip on your shoulder about some of the low blows you receive. People who do only become bitter and are distracted from pursuing their goals.
Never lose your curiosity, never lose your optimism and never lose your sense of humour. Laughter keeps us sane. Keep learning. Constantly challenge your brain.
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We’re only here once, so make the most of every moment and always live life to the fullest. Never have regrets. They’re a waste of time.
You can never turn back the clock or change any of the steps you have taken and everything you do and experience will shape you into the woman you will eventually become. I hope you’ll like her. I do.
Much love, Ita.
Read more of this story in the May issue of The Australian Women’s Weekly.
Your say: What would you say if you could give your 16-year-old self advice?
Video: Tracey Grimshaw interviews Ita Buttrose
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