If you had the chance to sit down with your younger self—perhaps at a coffee shop, during a quiet walk, or curled up on the couch—what would you say? What wisdom would you share, what fears would you soothe, and what truths would you reveal?

Most of us spend years growing, changing, and learning, and in hindsight, we often wish we had known then what we know now. Here’s what I would tell my younger self, and perhaps it’s something you might need to hear today, too.

1. You Are Enough

When we’re younger, so many of us feel like we’re never quite “enough.” Not smart enough, not pretty enough, not successful enough. We measure ourselves against impossible standards, whether they come from society, family, or the ever-critical voice in our own heads. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it would be this: you are enough just as you are. The person you are right now, in all your flaws and insecurities, is whole and complete. You don’t need to prove your worth by chasing perfection. You are worthy simply because you exist.

2. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

Growing up, there’s often a huge fear of failure. Whether it’s in school, relationships, or careers, failure feels like the worst possible outcome. But the truth is, failure is not an ending—it’s a beginning. Every failure brings with it a lesson, a chance to grow, and an opportunity to become more resilient. I would tell my younger self not to fear failure but to embrace it. Take the risk. Make the leap. You’ll stumble sometimes, but you’ll stand up stronger every time.

3. Trust Your Intuition

There will be times when you feel pulled in a hundred different directions—by friends, family, partners, or society. There will be voices telling you what to do, how to live, and who to be. But there’s one voice that always knows what’s best for you, and that’s your own intuition. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to trust that inner voice more. You know what’s right for you, even when it seems like everyone else has their own opinion. Trust yourself, even when it feels scary.

4. It’s Okay to Let People Go

Some friendships and relationships are meant to last a lifetime, but others are not. And that’s okay. Not everyone who walks into your life is meant to stay forever. There will be people who hurt you, people who grow apart from you, and people who no longer serve the person you’re becoming. It’s okay to let them go. Holding onto relationships out of guilt or obligation only holds you back. Surround yourself with those who lift you up, support your dreams, and love you for exactly who you are.

5. Take Care of Your Mental Health

We often talk about physical health, but our mental health is just as important. When I was younger, I didn’t realize how vital it was to nurture my mind and spirit. I didn’t understand the toll that stress, anxiety, and unhealed trauma can take on you if left unchecked. I would tell my younger self to prioritize her mental health, to seek therapy when needed, and to take breaks when life feels overwhelming. It’s not weak to ask for help. In fact, it’s one of the bravest things you can do.

6. Celebrate Every Small Victory

When you’re young, it’s easy to focus on the big picture—the major milestones, the long-term goals. But life is made up of a series of small, beautiful moments. I would tell my younger self to celebrate every small victory along the way. Did you finish that project at work? Celebrate. Did you set a boundary in a relationship? Celebrate. Did you take a day off to rest when you needed it? Celebrate. Life is too short to wait for the “big” moments to feel proud of yourself.

7. You Are Stronger Than You Think

There will be times in life when things feel impossible—when the challenges seem too big and the road ahead too long. But in those moments, I’d remind my younger self that she is stronger than she thinks. That she will survive the heartbreaks, the failures, and the losses. That she will come out on the other side, not just okay, but thriving. Strength doesn’t always look like confidence or perfection. Sometimes, it’s just the ability to keep going, even when everything feels hard. You have that strength within you, even when you don’t realize it.

8. Love Yourself First

We often seek love and validation from others—friends, family, partners—without realizing that the most important relationship we’ll ever have is the one we have with ourselves. I would tell my younger self to love herself first, to be her own best friend, and to treat herself with the kindness and compassion she deserves. When you learn to love yourself, everything else in life begins to fall into place. You stop settling for less than you deserve, and you start living with a sense of worthiness that no one can take away.

9. You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out

There’s often pressure when you’re young to have a plan, to know exactly where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. But the truth is, life is unpredictable. Plans change, dreams evolve, and that’s okay. If I could, I’d tell my younger self to relax, to breathe, and to trust the process. You don’t have to have everything figured out right now. Just focus on the next step, and the rest will unfold in time.

10. Live Authentically

Lastly, I would remind my younger self to live authentically. Don’t try to fit into someone else’s mold or live by someone else’s rules. Be true to who you are, even if it means going against the grain. Your authenticity is your greatest asset, and the world needs you to show up as your full, imperfect, wonderful self.

Final Thoughts

Life is full of lessons, and we learn them as we go. But if you could talk to your younger self today, what would you say?

Perhaps it’s time to reflect on how far you’ve come, and to extend the same compassion and wisdom to yourself now, as you would to the girl you once were. What would you tell your younger self today?

What Would You Tell Your Younger Self Today?