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.

Kala Vaughn

Don’t second-guess yourself, girl! Everything is not about appearances or what others may think. Go with your first mind when it comes to how you want to express yourself, what you want to do as your first career, and how you stand up for yourself. Read more>>

Brent Kleinman

I know it is cliche but follow your heart. Looking back at my life I bounced from career to career and to many seemed lost. These reinventions made me doubt myself and fear often entered my heart. Read more>>

Nicole Demas

I’d tell my younger self to stop doubting and start owning her power. Nobody’s coming to save you, so get out there and make your own way. You’ve got what it takes to crush every challenge, so don’t hold back or apologize for being fierce.<br> Read more>>

Margherita Riello Bell

Dear younger self, I want you to know that everything will be okay. Even when things feel uncertain or difficult, trust that you are on the right path. You have the strength and compassion to make a positive difference in the lives of others, and one day, you will help and inspire many people. Read more>>

Samantha Clark

I would tell the little girl in velvet, spending her nights in the ballet studio or tucked away in the art room, feeling the weight of the world on her small shoulders, that her big feelings and bold sense of right and wrong would one day become her greatest strengths. Read more>>

Samantha Belle

What I have to say to my younger self starts off cliche, because everyone who has reached success knows the power of its truth. Baby Belle, ‘You are enough. You are just loud enough for your incredible career as a performer. You are just talkative enough for your impactful career as a speaker. Read more>>

Melissa Mahoney

If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be to listen to my intuition more, follow my dreams, and disregard what others think I should do with my life. I spent a long time in my life trying to live up to others expectations of me when it wasn’t authentic to who I am as a person. Read more>>

Liz Illg

Dream big, think big, and act big. Dream big: Allow yourself to imagine a life beyond what feels possible. Don’t limit your goals based on where you are now—envision the life you truly want, even if it feels out of reach. Think big: Approach life with a mindset of abundance and possibility. Read more>>