We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger selves. Check out their responses below.
Erica Rowe
Stop waiting for tomorrow. It’s something a lot of people do, and I do it over and over again to this day. I think to myself, ‘Oh, I’m not ready to write today, I’ll start tomorrow.’ The intention to act is always there, but the follow through is the hard part. Read More>>
Craig Thorn
Keep going, bro. Keep going. You can do whatever you put your mind to. If you saw how we live right now, you’d lose your mind. We’ve done things in real life that you, as a kid from the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, only ever dreamed of. Don’t ever quit, because you’ll figure it out. Just keep going. Read More>>
Luberta Lytle
I would apologize to my younger self. My younger self had the drive and determination to after what she desired. At some point in time, I lost that drive and determination. I allowed fear and people pleasing stop me from going after my dreams. I’m forever thankful for this younger version of me. Read More>>
Steve Dea;[j
I practice this all the time, not only with myself but also with the student leaders I advised and with the leaders I now coach and support. Certainly, my experiences losing my parents put a lot of responsibility on me at a young age. Responsibility can be overwhelming, even when we seek it through a leadership opportunity or job. Read More>>
Anthony Mercer
If there was one kind thing I could say to my younger self it would be ‘Everything you are going through now is preparing you to be the best version of your future self’ Read More>>
Anton du Preez
Don’t lose sight of what makes you happy, and although the world can be rough at times, there is still a lot of beauty and hope. Keep your light shining brightly. Even if you can’t chase away all of the darkness, you can still illuminate your way and the paths of those around you. Read More>>
Katrina Purcell
Stop trying to build a perfect life and career on paper. The most valuable thing you will ever build is your jungle gym of experience across your career and life. Read More>>
Christina Morrison
That younger version of me was doing the best she could in a very restricted place. She had so much entangling to get free of. I’m so incredibly proud of her and how far she has come. Religion can be great for some people. But religious manipulation and control is soul killing. Read More>>
Tayja Strickland
“Girl, you got it — act like you know it.” – King George No seriously, if I could say anything to my younger self — that young, vibrant, old-soul, truth-telling, empathetic girl — I’d tell her to be confident and assured that she is exactly the puzzle piece this world needs. You might not always feel like you fit in, and honestly, sometimes you won’t. Read More>>
Marvin Jobs
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: just do it, whatever it is you want to do. Don’t overthink, don’t wait for the perfect moment. If you put your mind to something, it usually works out somehow. Read More>>
Marquise Ryan
I’d tell him, “You are not broken, you’re just becoming.” I know you feel like the world is on your shoulders, like you’ve got to be the man before you’ve even had time to be a kid. But I promise you, everything you’re going through, every heartbreak, every setback, every quiet moment you cried alone, none of it is wasted. Read More>>
Cheyenne Allen
If I could talk to my younger self, I would say, ‘it’s okay people tell you that you’re bossy and have a lot to say. It will help you run your own dang business when you’re older.’ Read More>>
MiMi Klaproth
That nothing should hold me back. I feel like when I was younger I didn’t know or actually realize you could or should ask others for advice. Because of that, I would seek out things alone and not tell anyone. Read More>>
Sophie-Elizabeth Thompson
I would tell her – You don`t have to rush. Everything you dream of is already on its way to you, and your only task is to keep creating. Trust the rhythm of your own hands, trust the stillness that guides you. The paths that feel heavy will fall away, and the spaces that are meant for you will open. Read More>>
Svetlana Toropoviene
I would tell my younger self: be patient with your journey. Every struggle, every doubt, and every setback is shaping you into the artist and person you’re meant to become. Trust your voice, because one day it will be someone else’s light — so keep singing, even in the dark. Read More>>
Nikki Diaz
The one thing I wish I could go back to tell my younger Me is ‘you’re not invisible’. I grew up on the cusp of change when disabled children were being mainstreamed out of disabled only schools and into, what we called then, ‘normal’ public schools. It was a huge transition for me. Read More>>
Lovepreet Singh Romana
You’re doing better than you think. Be kind to yourself, stay close to your roots, and remember—what makes you different now will be your strength later. Read More>>
Heather Squicciarini
Allow yourself to be free of all those thoughts of trying to prove yourself and seeking approval from everyone outside of you. Let go of the comparisons. Get quiet enough to listen—your heart will always show you the way. Most of all, trust yourself. There are no mistakes in life. Read More>>
Liz Illg
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “When you say you’re going to do something — for others or for yourself — follow through. Keep your word. It builds trust, confidence, and the kind of self-respect that will carry you far.” Read More>>
Taylor de la Fuente
That being a bigmouth is a good thing. Knowing your own mind and having an opinion are valuable traits that you shouldn’t feel shy or embarrassed about. It’s a positive thing to be bold and stand out. It’s what makes you, you. Read More>>
Karine Gomez
You are worth it. Read More>>
Sharon Goodenough
I’d tell her to ALWAYS trust her gut instinct, it will lead her in the right direction, even when others doubt you, question you, or say you’re wrong. Let them, I’ve found that it usually says more about their own fear and weakness than it does about your truth and strength. BELIEVE in YOU! Read More>>
Joseph Patrick Moore
Be Yourself! Don’t allow the thoughts or vibrations of others, persuade or alter your judgement about yourself. Let go, be free and TRUST God and the Universe! Ultimately just listen to your inner voice. Read More>>
Mabel Katz
I could say: Trust yourself. You are OK just the way you are. What you think of yourself is important, not what others think of you. Always put yourself first, follow your heart, and do what makes you happy. That is not being selfish. If you do what works for you, it will work for everybody. If you are OK, everybody will be OK. Read More>>
Tito Crespo
I’d say “Don’t worry, Tito. God has you. He loves you no matter what, and He made you unique—on purpose. He chose your family, the place where you were born, and the special gifts and good desires He placed inside you. He made you capable of handling every challenge you’ll face. Walk with Him, and you’ll go further than your dreams can imagine. Read More>>
Renee Paisley-Green
You are enough exactly as you are. Don’t shrink yourself to fit into spaces not built for you—your light was never meant to be dimmed. And hey, it’s okay to color outside the lines, lol. Read More>>
