We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger selves. Check out their responses below.
Brandi Lilley
I’d tell my younger self to stop trying so hard to be understood and start focusing on what truly lights her up. The right people will recognize that light when it’s real. Being alone for a season is worth it if it means living in alignment with who you really are. Stop trying to fit into other people’s worlds and start building your own. Read more>>
Chalyse Dandridge
I would tell my younger self that she is beautiful and far stronger than she realizes. Looking back, I see all the challenges I’ve overcome, things my younger self could never have imagined. There were countless moments when I thought I couldn’t go on, couldn’t push any further, and each time I proved myself wrong. Read more>>
Kristi Eaton
I would tell my younger self to trust yourself more and your abilities. While there have been several ‘OMG – what will I do moments,’ things tend to work out because I’m methodical, conscientious and a hard worker who strives to be a good colleague and contact for people. Read more>>
Nicholas Samuel
I would say it’s okay to be yourself. Throughout life, people sometimes get carried away and form facades to try and fit in with the crowd. But, what makes a person unique is their own style…their own vibe, even if it’s different from the norm or the mainstream. Staying true to yourself will help you avoid unnecessary drama. Read more>>
Saadia Khan
I’d tell her to trust the timing of her journey — everything she dreams of will come together in ways she can’t yet imagine. The setbacks will shape her strength, and the uncertainty will lead her to purpose. Read more>>
Melinda Matticoli
I want to remind my younger self that nothing is constant in life. I feel that when I was a child, I really didn’t understand why everything was constantly changing around me and how to cope with that in my life. I feel I also got into habits of constantly thinking ahead and forgetting to live in the current moment. Read more>>
Taylor Gould
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: don’t be afraid to be true to yourself. You don’t have to change or hide who you are to be loved or accepted. The sensitivity, compassion, and empathy you carry are your greatest strengths, not your weaknesses. Read more>>
Najya Williams
You are so beautiful. Not just in your looks, though your long eyelashes, smooth brown skin, and bright smile can turn the darkest sky blue, but your spirit, honey. When you walk into a room, your hunger for learning and serving others show up before you even speak. You picked out the PERFECT purple glasses — Grandma would’ve loved them. Read more>>
Janel Nichole H.
I would tell my younger self to be patient and trust the process. Have faith in the journey. It always gets better! What feels challenging in the moment is literally just that!. It’s only for but a moment! Read more>>
Billy Almon
This, in many ways, is a follow-up to the last question. And for me, it’s not so much what I would say to my younger self—it’s what I wish I had told my sister. Which is this: It’s STILL all possible. Not only is it all possible—it’s STILL all possible, as long as you recognize that dreams are living things. Read more>>
Ace
Hold on, pray, be strong. Don’t look for love let it come to you. Stay focused on the bigger picture. Read more>>
Yolanda Sarrabo, CPT, BCS
The one thing I’d say to my younger self is to move with tenacity. Tenacity has been my superpower in constructing my career and life. I’ve had a few uphill battles, but I’ve always stayed true to the course. I’ve held on to the words Me, Myself, and I, and it’s been a gradual hill in understanding life. Read more>>
Kalmplex
Never give up on yourself, always be your authentic self and love yourself the most out of anyone in this world. That love of self will keep you out of situations/places you don’t belong. Give thx to the Most High always. Read more>>
Gabriela Encina
I’d tell her: “Stop apologizing for being too much, too loud, too curious. That’s exactly what the world will need from you.” I see now that all those moments of self-doubt, the ones I tried to hide in counseling sessions or in new countries, were actually the groundwork for empathy, insight, and boldness. Read more>>
Jon Huck
Don’t worry about what other people think or say about you. Other peoples opinions of you are none of your business. Let people talk, speculate and hypothesize about what you’re up to. Just keep moving forward. Try to be a better person every day and everything else will work itself out. You’re gonna be fine. Read more>>
Brooke Kayla
I would say: ‘Watch out world, big things are coming!’ And that is 100% true. I would tell that young girl that everything she dreamed of and hoped for, would eventually come true. I never in million years thought at 15 years old, I would even begin a podcast. Read more>>
Isabelle Gelot Hunt
Don’t worry, you will figure it out – have faith in yourself! Things take time, you can’t figure it all out early in the journey -and probably don’t want to- mistakes are a big part of it all. So be patient, and trust the process! Read more>>
Amy Bandiera-Benjamin
I would tell myself to be proud of my accomplishments and to always remember gratitude. It’s funny because I think a lot of people, myself included, always want to strive for more – to do more, to have more, to be more, etc. Read more>>
