We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger selves. Check out their responses below.
Grace Federighi
I would tell my younger self to believe in herself completely. As a child, I was confident and resilient, yet I somehow believed I could only reach ninety five percent of my potential. I thought being close to what I wanted was enough, but that mindset kept me from going further. Read More>>
Vivian Du
Lately, I have been thinking about my younger self and what she thinks of our accomplishments, This question came at a great time, because I have been reflecting and journaling. Honestly, knowing younger me, I wouldn’t be saying much because I often enjoy being quiet, but I want to tell her that, ‘We are living the dream. Read More>>
Renee Enwerem
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be, “You’re smarter than you think.” Growing up in the 1990s as one of the only Black families in an all-white suburban neighbourhood, I rarely saw examples of Black intellect or professional success. Because of that, I often felt the need to constantly prove myself and fight against stereotypes. Read More>>
Zhane Bushrod
If I could have a conversation with my younger self, the entire talk would center on authenticity and self-acceptance. The core message would be: ‘Stop shrinking who you are just because the people around you can’t accept your light.’ I’d tell her to remain the vibrant, helpful, optimistic, and spiritual person she is, regardless of the obstacles she faces. Read More>>
Dre’Shawna Solomon
I would tell my younger self, you’re not behind; you’re being prepared. Every pause, every delay, every moment you thought was a setback was really positioning you for alignment. You don’t have to rush or prove anything. You already are everything you’re becoming. Just stay grounded, stay faithful, and trust that the version of you that you dreamed of is already unfolding. Read More>>
Rashida Brown
I’d tell her, “You were never broken, you were just built different.” As a kid with ADHD, I was always in motion the one who couldn’t sit still, talked too much, laughed too loud, and asked “why” a little too often. Read More>>
Olga Shutiak
I would tell her: “You don’t have to be so hard on yourself. You are already enough—even before the medals, before the applause, before the achievements. You are worthy not only when you succeed, but simply because you exist. Trust the journey. All the things you dream of will come, and even more—but don’t forget to enjoy the moments in between. Breathe. Laugh. Play. Read More>>
Jim Gigurtsis
The key message I would tell my younger self is: ‘Don’t be afraid to fail!’ Fear of failure constraints creativity and makes your work predictable. Mistakes are part of the process, learn and see where the journey takes you. Failure encourages the risk taking necessary to innovate and try new approaches. Read More>>
Elena Vitiazeva
Hmm, this is a very interesting question. If I could speak to my younger self, I’d tell her to never give up, no matter how tough the path may seem. Believe in your own strength and the unique light you bring to the world. Life is meant to be lived fully—with boldness, curiosity, and an open heart. Read More>>
Disnie Sebastien
I am a major introvert. Always have been as a child. It’s something that I still really struggle with today as well as self-confidence. Of course, I picked the most public field to work in as an Actor. Haha! As a child I never believed I was good enough or beautiful or smart enough. I was so much in my shell. Read More>>
Richard Dahome
I’d tell my younger self, “Be patient, God’s timing is perfect.” There were so many moments when I wanted things to happen faster, success, recognition, direction but I’ve learned that every season has a purpose. The challenges, the waiting, even the disappointments were all shaping me for something greater. Read More>>
Betsy Duffy
You’re braver than you think, and you don’t have to have it all figured out to do something amazing. Your life will go up in ashes at times, messy, painful, and uncertain but you will rise from it stronger, wiser, and more grounded. The life you build from those ashes will be even better than you could have ever imagined. Read More>>
Tamara Ashley
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be, “Thank you.” Thank you for making it, for holding on when everything in you wanted to let go. Thank you for believing, even through the tears, that better days were coming. Thank you for laying the foundation that I now stand on. Read More>>
