The Advice That Would Shock My Younger Self:

Introduction:

I’m wrong. I’m almost always wrong. The others are right.

Yes, they hold the truth, and I hold the lies. I drag clumsiness as my shadow while they swim in a light of certainty.
I was given the curse of being wrong at birth, and nothing could detach me from it.
If you’re wondering who “they” are — well, I wondered, too.
And my answer was as simple as this: “They” was everyone except me.

How Our Mind Creates Self-Destruction

Like many people, I grew up with these thoughts brewing in my stubborn brain — thoughts that eventually became stamps on my skin.
By the age of 25, I was covered in them. Each stamp displayed an “encouraging” word like: “Stupid,” “Wrong,” “Clumsy.”
All carefully chosen labels I decided to inflict on myself.
I was my own bully.

And one day, two saviors on white horses galloped in to free me from the labels.
Their names? Age and Experience.

“Don’t be afraid to take risks”

Age and experience are intricately linked — one cannot exist without the other.
Together, they become the potion that heals you from your inner bully.

Today, I wanted to share with you some quotes from women I believe will inspire you.
I would have loved for these quotes to come directly from you — the readers.
However, since this blog is currently read by no one but me (and my cat), I asked friends and family to help fill the list.
(And yes, I included a few quotes from famous people — they were too good not to share.)

Reese Witherspoon:

“No one is coming to save you … no relationship, no child, mother or father are going to fix your problems.” 

Michelle Obama

“Stop being so afraid!… Walk away from ‘friendships’ that make you feel small and insecure, and seek out people who inspire you and support you… Focus more on learning than on succeeding… let yourself really fail once in a while… The most accomplished people in the world fail and fail big.”

Jennifer Lopez

“I would tell her to follow her gut, because everything always works out in the end.” 

Monique Coleman

“Don’t be afraid to take risks. Have courage. Speak up.… Vulnerability is your superpower. Let people see who you really are.… Stop comparing yourself to others. Trust yourself.… This too shall pass.” 

Now back to you: What advice would shock your younger self?

External resources:

Where to get the illustrations : My Etsy 

The benefits of Aging : Columbia University

You might also like : Tiny Upgrades: The Little Things That Bring Big Joy

Written in the morning of September 1st, 2025.