What I would tell my younger self

Growing up, I didn’t always realize that, and I often found myself trying to fit into molds that weren’t meant for me. There were times when I doubted my abilities, compared myself to others, and worried that I wasn’t on the right path. If only I knew then what I know now—that each experience, even the difficult ones, would play a crucial role in shaping the person I’ve become.

The first thing I’d tell my younger self is to embrace failure and mistakes. You’ll make plenty, and that’s okay. I remember the fear of failure that held me back from taking chances. But the truth is, failure is not the end of the world. In fact, it’s often the beginning of something greater. Every failure teaches a lesson, and every setback is an opportunity for growth. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as a part of the journey, and know that with each mistake, you’re getting one step closer to understanding your true potential.

Next, I would tell my younger self to trust in the timing of life. We often feel pressured to have everything figured out by a certain age, to follow specific paths and timelines that society lays out for us. But life doesn’t work that way. Things unfold at their own pace, and sometimes the greatest things take time. I’d remind myself that it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away and that the journey itself is just as important as the destination.

I would also encourage my younger self to cultivate self-love and acceptance. There will be moments when I’ll feel inadequate or when I’ll compare myself to others, but I’d remind myself that I am unique, and that’s my greatest strength. No one else can be me, and that’s something to celebrate. I’d remind myself to focus on my strengths, not my weaknesses, and to appreciate the qualities that make me who I am. Loving myself fully, flaws and all, is a gift I wish I had embraced earlier in life.

Another important piece of advice I would offer is to take care of my mental and emotional well-being. I would tell my younger self to not shy away from seeking help when needed, whether it’s talking to someone, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking time for myself. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget that our mental health is just as important as our physical health. Taking care of my mind and emotions will create a solid foundation for everything else in life.

I’d also encourage my younger self to surround myself with positive, supportive people. The company we keep has a huge impact on our lives, and it’s important to choose relationships that lift us up rather than bring us down. Some friendships will come and go, and that’s part of life. Let go of toxic relationships and nurture the ones that bring joy, understanding, and mutual respect.

Finally, I’d tell my younger self to pursue my passions without hesitation. It’s easy to get distracted by other people’s expectations or to doubt my own dreams. But the truth is, following my passions is what will bring true fulfillment. It might not always be easy or straightforward, but it’s worth it. Life is too short to not go after what sets my heart on fire, and I should never let fear or self-doubt hold me back.

So, dear younger me, know that the path ahead is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. But you will make it through, stronger and wiser with each step. Trust yourself, embrace who you are, and never stop learning and growing. You are more capable than you realize, and you are worthy of all the good things that life has to offer. Keep going, keep believing, and most importantly, keep yourself. You’ve got this.