*If I had just 10 minutes to speak to my younger self, I wouldn’t waste time trying to be poetic or overly wise. I’d keep it real. I'd sit across from that version of me, young, ambitious, a little naive, and speak from the heart. No fluff. Just truth.
First, I’d tell myself to breathe. Life isn’t a race, and you don’t have to figure everything out right now. There’s this pressure when you're young to have all the answers, about who you want to be, what you want to do, where you're headed. But the truth is, you won’t know everything, and that’s okay. The important thing is to keep moving forward, even if it's just one step at a time.
I'd also say: don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re going to make mistakes. Some will be small, others will hurt a bit more. But don’t carry them around like chains. Learn from them. Let them shape you, not break you. Give yourself room to grow.
I’d warn myself about people, some will leave, some will disappoint, and a few will hurt you when you least expect it. Don’t let that change your heart. Protect your peace, but stay kind. Just because someone wrongs you doesn’t mean you need to carry bitterness. Let things go. Choose peace over pride more often.
I’d remind myself to trust my gut. That quiet voice inside? It’s wiser than you think. There will be times when the world is loud, and everyone seems to have an opinion about what you should do. Tune into yourself. Trust your own voice. It’ll save you more than once.
Another thing, I’d tell myself not to tie my worth to achievements. Degrees, promotions, awards… they matter, yes. But they’re not who you are. You’re not a checklist. You’re a person. And your value doesn’t come from what you’ve done, but who you are when no one’s watching.
I’d tell myself to pick my battles. Not every argument deserves your energy. Learn the power of silence. Sometimes, walking away isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom. Not everything needs a response. Learn when to speak, and more importantly, when not to.
I’d also say: don’t wait to start. That idea you’ve been sitting on? Go for it. That risk you keep overthinking? Take it. Life moves fast. There’s no perfect time, no perfect plan. You’ll learn more by doing than by waiting.
And love, don’t chase it, but don’t run from it either. When it comes, let it teach you, let it grow you. But never lose yourself in it.
Finally, I’d end with this: you’re going to be okay. You’ll struggle, yes, but you’ll also laugh a lot. You’ll meet some amazing people. You’ll surprise yourself with how strong you are. So don’t rush through life trying to avoid the pain. Embrace it all. The joy, the heartache, the lessons, they all matter.
And when things get hard, and they will, just remember: you’ve got this.*