What Would You Say to a Younger You?

Ah, October.

October is my favorite month of the year, and not just because it’s my (and my French bulldog’s) birthday month.

The weather is crisp, and the foliage gets more spectacular by the day. The school year routine is in effect. October is a delicious, welcome pause between the dog days of summer and the holiday hustle. October offers a little time to breathe, and that can make all the difference.

As the first year of my 40s draws to a close, I have been reflecting on the past year. If I could go back and have a conversation with myself on the precipice of turning 40 in a pandemic, what would I say?

I would say, “You are going to make it through this rollercoaster of a year, and emerge with a new career path that will feel more invigorating than anything you’ve ever done.”

I would say, “Journeying further into the murky depths of perimenopause is well worth the inner strength and awareness you will gain.”

I would say, “You are capable. You are enough. You are worth it.”

Taking time to ponder what you’d say to a younger you is an enlightening exercise that deepens self-compassion. There is great value in seeing how far you’ve come; reminding yourself that you have made it through all of your worst days; and gifting yourself a pep talk with the words that are most meaningful to you.

What would you say to the you of a year ago? A decade ago? Two decades ago? I want to hear it!