We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger selves. Check out their responses below.
Peter E Rork MD
Never give up on your goals and dreams…there is no Plan B Read More>>
April Werle
It has taken me years of learning—about my ethnic history, critical race theory, and the difference between cultural identity and racial identity—to feel confident in who I am. I wish I had understood earlier that those two concepts are distinct. I also wish I had known more of the vocabulary of critical race theory at a younger age. Read More>>
Beckie Nelson
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: You’re going to make it. You’re going to survive the bullying, the loneliness, the fear, and the doubt. You’re going to build a life you can be proud of even if it doesn’t feel possible right now. Read More>>
Harsha Chathuranga
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I’d say: ‘Trust the process and believe in yourself. Every late night, every failure, and every moment of doubt is shaping you into someone stronger and more capable than you realize. One day, your hard work and passion will be recognized, and you’ll look back proudly knowing it was all worth it. Read More>>
Rachel Ross
I would tell myself to keep trying to find mentors. I would also tell myself to keep pushing without the need for approval. Read More>>
Terrell Finney
I’ll Say Times Is Going To Get Tough… But Always Trust In God Without Him Your Nothing & Whatever He Has For You Is Greater Than Anything. Have Patience & Learn How To Forgive. Love People & Most Importantly Help People Read More>>
robert clarke
The strange thing about this question is that I’d be happy to talk to myself and give no help or guidance as I truly believe you’re on a path and you are the sum of the parts of that path…just be happy to work find good people and friends and try to be optimistic Read More>>
Robbin Turner
Yes you can! Go out there confidently with your head held high and make some waves. Read More>>
Tayo Ola
I’d tell my younger self: trust the journey and be patient with yourself. Every setback, every twist, and every detour is shaping you into the person you’re meant to be. The dreams you carry are valid, and the passion you have for food, and storytelling will one day create something bigger than you imagined. Keep going, you’re exactly where you need to be. Read More>>
Lindsey Graham
Everything you are going through, God will use to His glory and your benefit. He allows nothing to happen that He won’t turn to good and for your favor, as long as you love and follow Him. Read More>>
Nicole Stephanie
Don’t settle, and don’t give yourself away. You are worthy of all of God’s glory, just as you are. If anyone or anything makes you feel like you have to fight for it or shrink yourself to fit in, walk away. You deserve to stand in your fullness—unapologetically. Read More>>
Therese Myers
The kindest thing I would say to my younger self is: You absolutely can do and be anything you put your mind to. There are no limits to what you can accomplish. If you believe in your gifts and allow yourself the grace to grow, you will change the world. Read More>>
Leo Purman
There are a myriad of things my goodness, and I’m not sure my younger self would have even listened to an older version of me haha. Fortunately I don’t have too many regrets, but a lot of the time in my early years developing as a photographer, gaffer, and ultimately a cinematographer I thought I had it all figured out. Read More>>
Vero Garcia
I’d tell my younger self to be patient and kind with herself, to trust the journey, learn from challenges, and cherish the people she loves and the small moments. Life can be hard, but she’s stronger than she thinks and capable of more than she knows. Read More>>
Alonzo Pantoja
I love this question. There is a similar question that is asked in RuPaul’s Drag Race and I always wanted to answer it. If I could say one kind thing to my younger self it would be to be authentically you. Our society is so mainstream that sometimes we tend to be followers and try to be like other people. Read More>>
Kim B Miller
If I could whisper one kindness to my younger self, it would be this: Don’t compare yourself to others. Your path is uniquely yours. Just because someone else found success a certain way that doesn’t mean that’s the road you’re meant to take. You’re not here to be ‘a copy’. You’re here to be an original.’ Read More>>
Sanja Zdjelar
I would tell my younger self: *Trust your journey and never doubt your uniqueness. Every hour of practice, every challenge, and every risk will shape you into the artist you’re meant to be—so keep believing in yourself and enjoy the process.* Read More>>
Bae Lee
You’re doing great, Bae! Chin up and chest out. No matter the season somehow you seem to find a way to make it happen for yourself. People will talk- Give them something to talk about. Main character energy is what you’re known for. Remain God fearing, continue to pray, continue to praise on the sunny days and through out the storm. Read More>>
Denishia Macon-Lynn
I would tell my younger self: You are special. You are unique. Stay that way. Never force yourself to shrink into someone else’s mold or tone down your brilliance to fit in. The qualities that make you stand out are the same ones that will open doors and create opportunities you can’t even imagine yet. Read More>>
Jennifer Zhang
Love yourself unconditionally and always believe in yourself to achieve your best dreams. Read More>>
Christa Shelton
You are valuable just because you exist. You don’t ever have to prove your worth to anyone. Read More>>
Pat Backley
Never give up and always have big dreams. Read More>>
Prince T’Challa
Don’t be afraid or second-guess your actions. Instead, utilize the resources available to you, avoiding the fear of appearing needy or incompetent. I struggled immensely with simply opening my mouth and speaking to people to secure opportunities. It wasn’t until college that I began actively approaching individuals and seeking their assistance and support. Read More>>
Robin Morgan
I would tell my younger self this: fear will paralyze you, but faith will empower you. Take the time to discover your true passion and pray about it — you may not figure it out at 18 when you’re graduating high school, and that’s okay. Love what you do so it doesn’t feel like work. Read More>>
STENETTA ANTHONY
I would tell my younger self, “Be patient with yourself and trust your journey. You may make mistakes and face life’s challenges, but each experience is part of your growth process. These challenges make you stronger and help you realize that kindness, love, and patience nurture self-compassion, strength, and confidence that can last a lifetime.” Read More>>
JD Shultz
I’d tell my younger self: trust your gift, stay patient, and know that every step you take—whether it feels like success or struggle—is shaping the artist and person you’re meant to become. Read More>>
Ashley Edokpayi
Always stay curious, creative, adventurous, and kind. Read More>>
LaQueda Ricks
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: You are more than enough, exactly as you are. The world will try to convince you otherwise, and circumstances will make you question your worth, but don’t you dare let them win. Read More>>
Gio Drasconi
“You’re stronger than you think, and your passion will lead you to where you’re meant to be. Don’t let fear hold you back—just take that first step. The right people will believe in you, and you’ll learn to believe in yourself too.” Read More>>
Malina Lee
You will end up exactly where you are meant to be. Listen to your heart, mind, and intuition and that will lead you exactly where you need to go. Read More>>
Pamela Gurley
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: You are enough, exactly as you are. Your uniqueness is your strength, and you never have to change who you are to make others comfortable. Read More>>
Big Al
To never stop believing. Read More>>
Quanaisha Stafford
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this, “always grow”. Grow in the way you see yourself, because the relationship you have with yourself is the most important one, you’ll ever know. Read More>>
Alexandria Brouard
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be, “You don’t have to shrink to be loved.” I’d remind her that her voice, her heart, and even her flaws were never too much. I’d tell her that the very parts she questioned in herself would one day be the things that made her strong, magnetic, and deeply connected to others. Read More>>
Amanda Young
Sing, you have a beautiful voice. Read More>>
Arrica Elliott
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “Keep going — your talent and determination will carry you further than you can imagine.” There were times when doubt and obstacles made the path feel uncertain, but I would remind her that every bit of passion and persistence was worth it. Read More>>
Samantha Russell
Stop worrying about what others might be thinking—trust me, they’re the main character in their world and are far too busy thinking about themselves. Read More>>
Ashton Akinrimisi
I would tell myself younger self a few things. First, be patient and believe. Everything that you have envisioned for yourself will come true. Stay faithful. Everything will unfold when the timing is right. Embrace and be grateful for the timing, Second, be yourself. All of your quirks, dualities, and traits make you special. You are enough and capable of everything you desire. Read More>>
Kike Dionis
If I could say something to my younger self, I would say to be confident in any decisions I would have to make. I would tell me that my intuition is a great power thar I have and always to trust it. I would say that confidence is key in this life, that believing in oneself is necessary. Read More>>
Jenny Eggers
You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Your path won’t be a straight line. That’s the beauty of it! You’ll go from Broadway to working as a cashier at Home Depot to becoming a mom – each chapter teaching you something you’ll carry forward. Read More>>
whitney lounsbury
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: Take up space. Don’t shrink yourself to fit into someone else’s idea of who you should be. You deserve to be fully seen and heard. Surround yourself with people who let you be vulnerable, who accept your mistakes, and who lift you up as you grow. Read More>>
Fox Jones
You are more capable than you will ever know. So keep climbing. You’ll never get to see and enjoy the view unless you go to the top. Read More>>
Andrea Mathis
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You don’t have to earn your worth because you already have it.” I’d remind her that her value isn’t tied to her size, how much she gets done in a day, or how perfectly she can check off a to-do list. Read More>>
Melissa Goad
Keep going. Keep creating. Even when no one is hiring—or hiring you—remember that your power lies in your ability to make your own work. Stay sharp, stay focused, and trust that while you can’t control every opportunity, you can control your creativity. That’s where your strength is, and that’s what will carry you forward. Read More>>
David Kakoro
Be kind and not too soft because at times people tend to take advantage of that. Do good always. Live and let live. Read More>>
Savannah Vinson
I’d tell my younger self, “Stop overthinking and start doing. The fear will pass, but the regret of not trying will stick around—so go for it.” Read More>>
Sofia Rooney
I would ask her to respond to any adult who will come to demand of her to stop daydreaming with an eager grin. Her daydreaming and introspection is what is, and will be, special about her. I would ask her to treasure it, and brandish it as both a sword and a deep love for the world. Read More>>
Diamond Cash
I’d say: “I’m not behind I’m just building.” All the pressure I felt was temporary. All the mistakes were lessons. I didn’t need to have it all figured out I just had to stay consistent, stay hungry, and trust that everything I was going through was shaping the version of me that would one day inspire others. Read More>>
Mallory Mundy
If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say: Be proud of who you are, because everything you’ve been through has taught you lessons about life that you couldn’t have imagined. Stay strong, stay authentic, and always remember that there is light waiting for you at the end of the tunnel. Keep your faith strong. Read More>>
Harold Berry
It’s ok to not fit in God made you stand out for a reason. You’re not weird for being a gamer, painting for hours or getting lost in your imagination that’s your gift. Read More>>
OTW Kilo
You did it. Thank you for staying ambitous Read More>>
Akshie Jhaveri
I’d tell my younger self: don’t ever let someone else’s doubt become your limitation. The world will try to tell you what you can’t do—but your instincts, your creativity, and your vision are powerful. Trust them. Keep going, even when it feels uncertain. You’re capable of more than you know. Read More>>
Marlow Garza
Get into finance sooner , knowing how finance work allows you to succeed in any entrepreneurial path you desire. Read More>>
Owen Mutiganda
To be honest, I think I’d rather hear what my younger self has to say about me now—ahaha. I imagine I’d play him some of our music, show him the clothes, the photography, the visuals… then just sit back and listen to what he thinks. I think that conversation would give us both exactly what we need. He didn’t need encouragement—he needed inspiration.
Leah Nadu Reasinger
It’s supposed to be hard; your education, work, life, etc. Whatever you’re pursuing is supposed to be challenging, even test you sometimes. Taking your ‘hard’ (for me it was starting my own business) and using that as motivation and determination is what’s going to get you past it and onto bigger and better things. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it. Read More>>
Quiana Brown
I would say. Live your life and let your intuition lead the way. Read More>>
