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'Trade your fear for hope': Selma Blair pens touching letter for her younger self amid multiple sclerosis battle

Selma Blair, 50, recalled how she used to be 'scared of growing up' as she didn't know 'how to do anything successful adults do'

BY KUNAL DEY

PUBLISHED APR 30, 2023

Selma Blair recently wrote a touching note to her younger self (Rich Polk/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Selma Blair wrote a touching note to her younger self in a special edition of People that featured commentary from stars like Eva Longoria, Rosario Dawson, and Christina Ricci, among many others. In the piece, Blair reflected on her career and aspirations before offering a message of hope.

The 'Cruel Intentions' alum, 50, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in August 2018, began the note by recalling how she used to be "scared of growing up" and didn't know "how to do anything successful adults do." "It will be okay. Don't worry your mind about the future so much," the actress wrote to her younger self in People's 2023 Beautiful Issue.

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'Trade your fear for hope'

"That thing you couldn't put your finger on. It's hope. Trade your fear for hope. Keep reading. Write every day. Please trust yourself." She urged the adolescent version of her to "tell the truth" and "observe," adding, "Good things will happen. And horrible things. And it will all be part of finding your footing and carrying on. You are worth loving."

Selma Blair speaks onstage during the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. — Selma Blair spoke onstage during the 74th Primetime Emmys at Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

The mother of one shared one more thought before concluding the message. "P.S. You bought yourself the horse you always will hope for. His name is Mr. Nibbles. You will be able to do plenty. Please don't worry. And breathe in deeply. And exhale. Keep passing the open windows," she wrote.

Selma Blair attends 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. — Selma Blair attended the 2nd Annual Academy Museum Gala at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on October 15, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Selma Blaire's MS diagnosis

The 'Legally Blonde' star announced in 2018 that she had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The degenerative disease is known to directly affect the central nervous system and cause a loss of mobility. The actress recently opened up about her use of a cane in the cover story for the May 2023 issue of British Vogue. "I have an emotional and physical attachment to the cane," she told the magazine. "It's an extension of me." She also opened up about her mental health during the time her MS was symptomatic but hadn't been diagnosed. "As an adult, the lassitude and anxiety became terrifying, actually. I made mistakes. Wished myself dead. Attempted suicide. A few times. Out of desperation," she confessed.

Actor Selma Blair poses backstage during the TIME 100 Health Summit at Pier 17 on October 17, 2019 in New York City. — Selma Blair posed backstage during the TIME 100 Health Summit at Pier 17 on October 17, 2019, in New York City (Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME 100 Health Summit)

The acclaimed actress revealed how she would often have to mask her symptoms on film sets and would self-medicate to cope with the pain. "Sets were excruciating sometimes with the exhaustion and the tics. I took Benzos and Klonopin (used to prevent seizures and anxiety disorders)," she recalled. "I didn't abuse those things, just alcohol. But I was lost and sad and could hardly ever smile. Hence my roles, I imagine." She added, "I was worried since the beginning of time that a glaring fault would remove me from the workforce. And usually, it was my incoordination or getting stuck, too weak or sick, in my trailer – or any time, really." Blair also revealed that she would suffer from vomiting, hair loss, and rashes and was diagnosed with cat scratch fever and possible leukemia while working on the movie 'Hellboy.'

Actress Selma Blair arrives at the world premiere of Universal Picture's — Actress Selma Blair arrived at the world premiere of Universal Picture's 'Hellboy II: The Golden Army' for the Los Angeles Film Festival at the Village Theater on June 28, 2008, in Los Angeles, California (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

She took a break from acting in 2009 after filming the US version of 'Kath & Kim' saying her autoimmune system was "misfiring." During this period, the embattled thespian would often spend her days in bed crying and feared her health issues would end her Hollywood career for good. However, her decision to go public with her MS diagnosis brought many positives to her life.

Selma Blair attends the celebration launch of Christian Siriano's new book 'Dresses to Dream About' at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills on November 19, 2021 in West Hollywood, California. — Selma Blair attended the celebration launch of Christian Siriano's new book 'Dresses to Dream About' at The London West Hollywood at Beverly Hills on November 19, 2021, in West Hollywood, California (Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Christian Siriano)

Blair wrote a bestselling memoir titled 'Mean Baby' in 2022. She also became one of the few disabled contestants to take part in 'Dancing With The Stars'. However, she had to withdraw from the show on health grounds. The actress said she wasn't actively looking for work at the moment but was open to working in movies that would be "doable" with her condition. Blair was also one of a number of prominent figures that took part in British Vogue's Reframing Fashion issue which features 19 disabled talents, per the Daily Mail.