Reflections With Younger Self

Hey Y’all,

Sometimes we don’t see ourselves as truly magnificent until the time with that version of self is no more. And when we take time to look back, only THEN we see it.

We’re so busy surviving, too consumed by the awful job our government is doing, racism, or our self-doubt. It’s easy to get weighed down. But hindsight gives us clarity. It softens our gaze. And suddenly, the version of us we once unfairly criticized becomes someone we deeply admire and, in some cases, miss. We see our own RESILIENCE. The fire of the younger self, who pushed through so much with such limited resources, deserves to be celebrated… not just remembered. I look back on these photos with fondness and but also remember the grief. She went through a lot, but without her, this version of me now wouldn’t exist. I am so proud of her authenticity and refusal to shrink herself. We are so hard on ourselves when, honestly, we’re all just figuring it out.

There’s a bittersweetness to reflections like this. The grief comes from knowing how much she held, how much she endured without the support or understanding she truly needed. Annnd somehow, there’s also so much pride, and love, and courage. She wasn’t perfect; she got it wrong sometimes, but she was powerful. She said yes to life, to holistic wellness, to transformation, even when it was uncomfortable. Her choices, even the messy ones(very messy lol), shaped the ground I now stand on right now. It makes me think, wow, how often do we judge ourselves in real-time, without giving our story a chance to unfold? To be witnessed? We’re all just doing our best with what we have, and that deserves gentleness.

These photos remind me of the importance of loving and appreciating ourselves and in the PRESENT MOMENT.

So with alllll that being said, whenever you’re reflecting on old photos, PLEASE do it with tenderness. And if you’re in a season where it’s hard to love where you are, just remember, your future self is already proud of SO you. So let this be your reminder:

Document the journey. Honor your magic. Chaotic, loud, messy, and beautiful.

Perfection is boring. Speak kindly to yourself, ESPECIALLY on the days you feel lost. You’ll find your way to back self.

YOU deserve it.