What I’d Tell My Younger Self

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how far I’ve come,  not just in what I’ve done, but in who I’ve become. If I could sit across from my younger self, I’d take a moment to speak directly to her to remind her of everything she still has ahead of her.

Dear Younger Me,

I know you’re 18, full of dreams and hopes about what your future holds. And trust me, I see you. I see that nervous excitement, that feeling that you have to figure it all out right now.

First of all, I need to say this:
I’m so proud of you.

You aced your exams, yes, even the big, scary ones! despite struggling with Maths (let’s be real, that was never your strong suit!). You showed everyone that you had what it took to succeed. You were clever, even when you felt lazy or tired. Somehow, you always pulled it off, and you got those A’s.

Choosing engineering was a huge leap. You believed it would be the ticket to your future that it would guarantee success. I know you were convinced by the adults around you that engineering was a safe bet for stability and respect.

But now, from where I stand, I’ll tell you this:
Success isn’t always loud.
Success isn’t about being the biggest name in the room. Sometimes, it’s quiet. It’s the peace you find in being true to who you are.

I won’t sugarcoat it, life didn’t turn out exactly as you imagined. You’re not a big boss, you’re not famous, and you’re definitely not living the life of luxury you thought you would. But here’s the thing: people still look up to you. They see the car, the house, the phone, the stable relationship. They think you’ve made it. But here’s what they don’t see:

The truth is, everything you have came with a cost.
Debt. Pressure. Stress.
The more you earn, the more you’re expected to give. The higher your salary, the greater your commitment the greater the sacrifices.

You moved far from home, thinking that independence was everything. And while you found someone incredible to spend your life with, a husband who loves you deeply.. you both ended up carrying the weight of more debt than you expected. All because you wanted to show the world that you were succeeding.

But here’s my advice:
Stay close to home.
It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all on your own. In fact, it’s the smart choice.

You were always so focused on being too independent.. thinking you had to do it all yourself. But you don’t have to carry the weight alone. It’s okay to lean on others. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s not a weakness, it’s wisdom.

But despite everything, despite the debts and the long days, I’m happy. I have a wonderful husband by my side. My family supports me, and my sisters are always there, cheering me on. Even if they don’t know everything, they still make me feel like I’m doing okay.

They think we’re lucky.
Let them think that.
Let them smile. Let them believe we’ve got it all together.
Because if they’re happy, then we can be too.

Now, as I write this, I’m starting a new chapter. After one year of marriage, I’m trying to conceive. It’s a new kind of hope, and yes, there are days when I complain (you know how I am), but I’m ready for this next adventure.

So, younger me!
Keep dreaming. Keep going. Even when it’s hard. Even when you feel lost.
Because your journey will be difficult, but it will also be beautiful. And most importantly, it will be yours.

You turn out okay.
No, actually, you turn out more than okay. You’re doing just fine.

So, to my younger self.. and to the version of me who’s still healing now..
You did the best you could with what you knew.
You tried. You loved. You held it all together, even when no one saw the weight you were carrying.

You don’t need to prove anything to anyone anymore.
You are allowed to want peace.
You are allowed to rest.
You are allowed to start again in your own way, in your own time.

And to the woman I am today..
You’re still growing, still learning, still standing. That’s more than enough.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.. you just need to keep going, gently.

One small step at a time.
With softness.
With honesty.

Love always, 

Yourself