‘I know you are only 11 but there’s some things you need to know …’: Margaux Parker’s letter to herself

“Be fierce, don’t accept being treated badly and be loyal to your mates.” These are just some of the things Margaux Parker would tell her 11-year-old self.

On the eve of her 35th birthday, Margaux Parker reveals all the things she’d say to her 11-year-old self. Picture: Steve Pohlner

ON the eve of her 35th birthday, radio announcer Margaux Parker has written a letter to her 11-year-old self, warning about the trappings of social media and of trying to be the perfect size 8.

Parker, who fronts Triple M Brisbane’s The Big Breakfast, plans to read the letter on air on Friday.

Margaux Parker. Picture: Steve Pohlner

It follows an on-air “fail” by Parker, who is married to league legend Corey Parker, when she promised to reveal a “bombshell” Brisbane Broncos announcement on Thursday, then didn’t.

In the letter to her much younger self, Parker, who has previously revealed her own battles with weight and body image, says it is “totally OK to be any size you want to” and that life would be unbearable without being able to eat good cheese and drink great wine.

THE LETTER

Dear Margaux,

I know you are only 11 but there’s some things you need to know, and I’m the one to tell you.

When social media takes over the world (and I know this sounds strange, but there will be a time when people don’t have actual face-to-face conservations …) please, please, please be strong, share only what you want to, and be wary (it’ll make sense around 2010 or so!).

It’s totally OK to be any size you want to be. You’ll go through times where the world thinks the perfect woman is a size 8. Don’t listen, and don’t go down that rabbit hole of chasing shallow “perfection”. It’s just that, shallow. I want you to own your body, be proud of it, because as a women it will change many times. Love yourself, babe.

You love food – don’t change that because I couldn’t bear it if you went through life not tasting amazing cheeses, wine, the perfect steak and a whole lot more.

Also … exercise is fun, important and part of a great lifestyle. And trust me, you’ll meet a great guy who will encourage you, and even workout with you.

Be fierce when you need to be, and always stand up for those who need help – humans or animals.

Never accept being treated badly, spoken to badly or taken for granted. You deserve the best.

Always be kind to yourself. I know this sounds a little stupid right now, but it will make sense when you turn 35 … for you and pretty much everyone in the world.

You are going to have a stack of kids – and that’s OK (trust me, they work better as a pack!). Being a mum is the most joyful, challenging, exhausting, off-script, inspiring, heartbreaking and brilliant thing you will ever do. It’ll teach you patience big time, and also unconditional glorious love, as well as a stack of hand-eye games that you are hopeless at right now (so pay attention in class, girl!).

Always remember where you come from. Place of origin is really important (PS so is State of Origin), it makes us who we are.

Be loyal to your mates. You have some mates right now that will still be your besties when you are 35; that takes love and loyalty.

Wear heels. I know they hurt your feet, but it’s worth it.

Laugh. Laugh. Laugh. As often as you can.

Remember there’s only 2 weeks between a bad haircut and everything being OK.

Jump in the deep end – of the pool and of life.

And marry the guy you love. I just know he’s going to be perfect for you!

Plus, clean your room.