As soon as possible, like right-now-immediately, let go of being afraid of what others think. Nothing will hobble you more throughout life than trying to stay nice, taking everyone’s opinion to heart, trying to please the world and never yourself.
Stay your sweet self, and do think of others, only as long as they’re thinking of you as well. If they don’t consider your well being as much as you consider theirs- stand up and draw the line. Life’s going to be tough, really tough, and that line will save your life several times over.
Sad to say, but at the end of the day, the world does not give a gnat’s ass flying f—-. If you don’t value yourself and your abilities, nobody will.
And never, ever, ever stop swimming, dancing, singing, and doing art.
(Oh, right, it’s to my 12 year old self… sigh… my 40+ year old self needs the same advice)