What I’d Tell My Younger Self Over a Cup of Coffee

Dear Younger Me,

First of all, take a deep breath. No, really—drop your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and exhale like you just let go of a secret you didn’t even know you were holding. And here’s the good news: You’re going to be just fine. Actually, you’re going to be better than fine. Now listen up, because I’ve got some things to tell you.

You’re not running late—life isn’t a train schedule.

I know you think you’re supposed to have it all figured out by now. You don’t. No one does. The people who look like they do? They’re just better at winging it. Life isn’t a straight line; it’s more like a series of unexpected plot twists. Some will make sense later; some won’t. And both are okay.

Failure isn’t the finale—it’s just a weird plot twist before the best part.

That time you completely embarrassed yourself? That job you didn’t get? That plan that fell apart? They’re all setting you up for something better. You don’t see it now, but trust me—your best stories will come from the moments that felt like disasters. Growth isn’t glamorous, but it is transformative.

No one’s handing out permission slips—so just do the thing.

No one is going to tap you on the shoulder and say, “Hey, you’re officially ready.” Do the thing. Apply for the job. Start the project. Speak up. Take the trip. Waiting for the perfect moment is just another way of procrastinating on your own magic.

Some people are main characters; some are guest stars. Both are cool.

Some friendships will fade. Some connections will surprise you. And some goodbyes will feel impossible. But each person leaves something behind—a lesson, a laugh, a reminder of who you are or who you don’t want to be. Not everyone is meant to stay forever, and that doesn’t make the time they were there any less valuable.

Your weirdness is your VIP ticket to greatness.

That thing you think makes you too different, too awkward, too much? Lean into it. The quirks, the questions, the unconventional ideas—they’re what will make life interesting. Forget about fitting in. The best things happen when you don’t.

Hype yourself up like you would your best friend—no exceptions.

You wouldn’t let anyone talk down to them, tear them apart for every little mistake, or constantly compare them to others. So why do it to yourself? Be kinder. Laugh at your missteps. Give yourself grace. You are worthy of the same love you so freely give to others.

If never cringe at your past self, are you even growing?

Oh, you will cringe at yourself. Hard. You’ll look back on things you once thought were peak brilliance and wonder what you were thinking. That’s called growth. The things you’re afraid to try because you don’t want to look foolish? Try them anyway. The version of you reading this someday will be proud that you did.

Your plan? Cute. The universe? Cooking up something better.

Some doors will close. Some dreams will shift. Some things will take longer than expected. And yet—somewhere along the way, you’ll find yourself exactly where you’re meant to be. Closed doors aren’t just endings; they’re redirections. And sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually a setup for something incredible.

So, younger me, if I could leave you with just one thing, it’s this: Be softer with yourself. Life isn’t a race; it’s a dance—sometimes graceful, sometimes awkward, but always worth showing up for.

You’re doing better than you think. Now exhale and trust the magic of what’s ahead. And while you’re at it, go get a snack—you deserve it.

See you in the mirror,
Lots of love,

Older (also slightly wiser) YOU