We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger selves. Check out their responses below.
LEE
you are incredible for being persistent in showing vulnerability and love to your family despite all the times this sincerity was used against you and used to hurt you Read more>>
Adam Santana
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be this: Believe in yourself. I would let my younger self know that it’s okay to fail sometimes — it’s part of the process of becoming great. There will be ups and downs, but you must stay on the path. Success isn’t a straight line. It’s squiggly, confusing, and scary. Read more>>
Yichi Chou
I would say: don’t try to be perfect; be playful instead. I used to pressure myself to create flawless work, but cats showed me that the best things often happen when you’re curious and open, not when you’re striving for perfection. Keep creating, keep playing, and trust that the path will make sense later! Read more>>
Cameron Cloud
Don’t waste your time comparing yourself to others or trying to fit into what you think the industry wants. Stay true to yourself. Your craft and vision are enough. The truth is, you don’t have to change who you are to “make it”. Read more>>
Erica Nichole
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self I would say, be you! Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t be who you want to be or what career you should be in. Read more>>
Charles L. Chatmon
Stay on the path and never take your eyes off the road. I would tell my younger self that the sacrifices you make today will be the rewards of tomorrow. I would say that if you stop with your goals, it will be harder for you to return to the love you once had working on a story, writing a piece that you created. Read more>>
Ankita Bhardwaj
Be kind, Be honest and Be human. Everything else will fall into place. Read more>>
Corey Dissin
Stop chasing the shiny stuff. The cars, the houses, the status symbols—they’re distractions. Instead, focus on the freedom that money can create. I didn’t fully grasp that until I was well into my 30s. The most valuable currency isn’t in your bank account—it’s QTL: Quality Time Left. Protect it, spend it wisely, and make sure it’s invested in the people and experiences that actually matter. Read more>>
Folasade
I mostly grew up in schools and dance studios that were predominantly white. I would tell my younger self that she deserves to be wherever she is. God wouldn’t open a door for you if you weren’t supposed to enter that space. Read more>>
Jermaine Demetrius
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self it would be to block out the noise and just do you…You’re going to be exactly who you think you’ll be. Read more>>
Stacy Thomes
I would tell my younger self that it’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay not to get everything right, not to be perfect. As a kid, I struggled with school, self-esteem, and motivation. I often felt there was something wrong with me because I didn’t fit into every box, and I made a lot of mistakes. Read more>>
Marta Miller
If I could speak to my younger self, I would tell her that she is both fearless and grounded. At 43, I am so proud of the wisdom I carried even then—that the most important decision I would ever make was choosing the man I would marry. I absolutely adore my husband. Read more>>
Yihan Luo
Keep being curious and brave—what makes you different now will become your greatest strength later.’ I’ve always had a strong sense of individuality, which wasn’t easily accepted in the context of a traditional Chinese education system. Back then, I often questioned myself—wondering if being bold, outspoken, or simply following my own path was somehow wrong. I was frequently misunderstood, and at times, deeply hurt. Read more>>
Hila Dennis
Everythings gonna be alright Read more>>
Laurel Roberts-Meese
I was lucky in that someone did! I had a teacher in high school tell me that it was going to be a lot easier to be myself in ten years. He was right. And it turns out that ease keeps going — it’s been easier to be myself in my late 30s than it was to be in my late 20s. Read more>>
