If you could go back in time, what lessons would you teach your younger self? Precious Muir, recognisable from Channel 4’s The Circle, takes a look back at her life following her modelling and TV dreams in New York City – and warns of those to look out for
My dear Precious,
Guess what? The wisdom you gain from the adventures to come in life is beyond what you can imagine right now. If I could tell you that the smile you love to share with everyone you meet as a child will be seen and shared around the world, you wouldn’t believe me. So just know this: be less critical and hard on yourself, love the way you look, love your ‘in-between’ hair that goes wild and curly when wet and don’t ever worry about looking so much younger than everyone else in your group of friends – this will be a blessing in disguise, trust me.
That petite body frame you wish would fill out eventually does, so nothing to worry about there. And you will grow taller, so don’t think you’ll stay 5’3” forever. Now, I’ll be honest – the cup size you pray for each night before you go to sleep won’t come in naturally, so be mentally prepared for the journey you have take to achieve that look. It will be a very bumpy ride but it all works out in the end. Thank God.
The biggest adventure in your life will take you all the way to New York City – you will show up in Manhattan with two large suitcases and a dream. You’ll move into a strange apartment with other models and get to know their stories. Making new friendships and new memories, learning how to be a young adult with responsibilities… you will find this hard at times, but stepping out of your comfort zone will be the best thing you ever do – never doubt that!
‘Those tears you cry of feeling alone in a big city will eventually create a very strong woman with self-confidence to get through anything’
I do want to warn you though, about being mentally prepared for tough days in your career – attending model and TV castings to be told you’re too curvy, or not curvy enough all in one day. This will put self-doubt in your mind, and you’ll wonder if you did the right thing, moving thousands of miles away from home, away from family and friends for this feeling of insecurity. Understand that those tears you cry of feeling alone in a big city will eventually create a very strong woman with self-confidence to get through anything life throws her way.
As a young woman in a foreign land, you will come up against some photographers and casting directors who will promise you the world. They will try to take advantage of their positions but your outspoken personality, paired with your sixth sense, will get you out of those unpredictable situations – and eventually those pathetic individuals will get taken down by something called the ‘#MeToo’ movement. God is good!
And through the pursuit of your career, you will find a man you think is your soulmate. You get married, and the fairy tale doesn’t end well – but don’t let this define you. Don’t think you no longer deserve love and close yourself off from meeting someone else. This chapter in your life is meant to happen; take what you learn from that relationship and use it to become a better version of you. Remember that through loving yourself, you become open to receiving love and then this is when you can truly love someone else.
In all, I know now that age is nothing but a number, don’t settle for less than you deserve and never give up on your dreams!
Love, P. x
Check out Precious’ Fashion & Lifestyle website: www.preciousmuir.com, and follow her on Instagram: @preciousmuir
