I’ve spent much of my adult years avoiding the memories of my younger self.
There was much pain there. Shame and feelings of unworthiness. Rejection and abandonment.
It was easier to stuff those memories down in a box and never be opened again.
But now that I am 34, I have found some healing in remembering who that girl was. In visiting the memories, despite the pain of re-living them.
Instead of shunning her, what if I showed up for her the way she needed someone to show up for her then? To hear the words she needed to hear from someone but didn’t?
Some time a few months ago there was a viral trend of “meeting my younger self for coffee”.
Reading different versions of that made me tear up, and I even created my own.
This time in my life was kind of inspired by that internet trend. To meet my younger self, to let her know if her dreams have come true, to alert her of a pain that’s coming, to tell her “I love you”.
It doesn’t even have to be me at a super young age. There’s been some healing in visiting me from just 10 years ago. Me at 14 and 24.
So, I’ve put together 34 things I would tell my younger self.
1. You are enough.
2. Your voice matters- speak up, even if it shakes.
3. You don’t need to have it all figured out right now.
4. Start before you’re ready.
5. Comparison is a joy thief; focus on your own lane.
6. Failure is inevitable, but it’s not the end- it’s information.
7. Happiness is not a destination, it’s a daily choice.
8. The people meant for you will never need you to shrink.
9. Don’t beg for anyone’s attention; those aligned with you will gravitate towards you naturally.
10. Protect your peace- not everyone deserves access to you.
11. Don’t be afraid to change directions.
12. You’ll realize you don’t need to chase anyone’s approval.
13. You’ll discover that freedom isn’t out there- but it’s in you.
14. You’ll stop apologizing for taking up space.
15. Your intuition is wiser than you think.
16. You are allowed to outgrow people, places, and dreams.
17. Don’t wait for permission to live the life you want.
18. Saying “no” is an act of self-respect.
19. You don’t need to prove your worth through busyness.
20. Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself.
21. Be curious; never stop learning.
22. You can do hard things- believe me.
23. Your dreams are valid, no matter how big or small.
24. Love isn’t supposed to be confusing.
25. There will be many struggles, but you’ll overcome them.
26. Invest in experiences, not just things.
27. Money will come and go, but time will not.
28. The path won’t be straight, but it will be yours.
29. The hard lessons will teach you how capable you are.
30. You will find peace in the things that once brought you pain.
31. You’ll laugh again, even on days you thought you never would.
32. Trust the timing of your life.
33. Gratitude changes everything.
34. You are worthy of the life you dream of.
What are the things you would tell your younger self? Tell me in the comments.
If you’d like to read about my experience joining the military in my mid-20s, click here.
I also wrote about a time in my life where I lived in a church (I know 😆) here.
