If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger selves. Check out their responses below.

Travis Lamarr

I would tell young Travis; you’re more than enough! No matter what others may think of you, no matter what others may think you should be doing, you’re great just the way you are! Don’t allow anyone to take your gentle soul and soft emotions and use it against you in a negative way. Read more>>

Keosha Parker

I would tell my younger self: you are not the box they tried to put you in. Being a teen mom doesn’t make you a statistic, it makes you strong. You don’t have to carry the weight of other people’s labels or your own insecurities. God’s plan for you is so much bigger than what you can see right now. Read more>>

CYNDEREAPER

I would tell my younger self to trust her journey and believe in her own worth. That it’s okay to dream big, to stumble, and to take her time figuring things out. Most importantly, I’d remind her that she is enough exactly as she is, and that everything she’s going through is shaping her into the person she’s meant to become. Read more>>

Taylor Smith

If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: ‘Breathe. You’re doing better than you think.’ I know how hard you pushed, how much weight you carried trying to get everything just right – chasing goals, proving yourself, trying to stay strong even when you were overwhelmed. I see now how stressed you were, how little grace you gave yourself. Read more>>

Olympia Mix-Brown

I would tell her to LIVE. Stay Present and keep the faith. People always say life happens quick, and I truly believe that. Everyday, I’m working on being intentional about staying present and enjoying each moment and giving the people that I love and adore their flowers while I still can! Read more>>

Sean Wiltz & Alfred Harris

If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, I would say: ‘You don’t have to have it all figured out right now. Trust yourself, keep learning, and every challenge you face will shape you into someone stronger and wiser than you imagine.’ I think it’s easy when we’re younger to put pressure on ourselves to have everything perfectly planned. Read more>>

Keye Bodison

“Go all in on yourself ! Yes you can be wealthy from art , from being a creative ! All creatives aren’t broke and down bad ! You know you don’t want to be a physical therapist! You can only hide from yourself for so long!” I would tell her all these things so she’d never have to doubt herself or her worth. Read more>>

Will Cummings Jr.

If I could offer my younger self a single piece of advice, it would be to remain resilient. A difficult moment is not the end of the story. Don’t allow negativity to shape your mindset or disrupt your path. And remember, those who criticize often do so from a place of personal struggle. Read more>>

Tree Lyiness

Use YOUR free will. Explore more. Don’t EVER make an excuse.You can wear anything you want (style rules aren’t real ). Try ALL the things. Everything is made up don’t follow the crowd or social norms do what makes you feel good. Read more>>

Patrick Sutton

You are not too much—you are more than enough. Read more>>

Priya Pandha

If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You’re not behind. You’re just becoming.” I spent a lot of time doubting myself, especially during college. Everyone around me seemed to have this clear path, and I was stuck feeling unsure, like maybe something was wrong with me for not having it all figured out. Read more>>