If I could meet my younger self for coffee…
I noticed that social media had a short-lived trend about meeting your younger self. It made me pause and think for a while about what I would say to my younger self if I could. I have lived my life with very few regrets. I love my life, and I love who I am.
That being said, there are a few things I would love to say to my younger self.
You are far stronger and more powerful than you know. The fierceness that you have inside you will serve you so well in the future. Don’t ever let anyone try to take that strength away from you
You don’t have to diminish your light to be accepted. The brightness that shines through everything you do will intimidate some people, and that is their problem, not yours.
That crazy dream you have about telling stories through words and drawings - it’s not that crazy, and you shouldn’t wait so long to embrace it.
You shouldn’t spend your energy trying to fit yourself into the mould that society is trying to stuff you into. Listen to that quiet voice that is urging you to be your authentic self
18 year old me - with my whole life ahead of me Don’t stay anywhere where you aren’t appreciated. Not in jobs or relationships. You will burn up too much of your life accepting situations that aren’t lifting you up, and you only have one precious life. Don’t waste it on things, people, or situations that make you feel small or unappreciated.
Stop caring so much about what other people think. You can’t control who likes you and who doesn’t. Embrace the people who like you for who you are, and don't worry about the people who don’t. (Also, people think about you far less than you think they do)
Keep loving with your whole heart. The love that you share is noticed, and you are an example to others of what kindness and compassion can do. Your support of others is going to lift up so many people and encourage them to achieve their dreams. You don’t think you will ever be important, but you will be.
So yeah, if I could meet my young self for coffee, I would probably hug her and buy her a croissant (and tell her to enjoy these while she can still digest milk) and assure her that she is incredible and unstoppable.
I love my life and I really wouldn’t change anything, because it got me here. And honestly, young me was so stubborn, she probably wouldn’t listen to me anyway
What would you tell your young self if you could?