Serin Ali

To My Younger Self First off, relax. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. I know it feels like you’re supposed to know exactly what you want to do, who you want to be, and how to get there, but trust me—no one actually does. Life isn’t a straight path, and it’s okay to take detours, change your mind, and make mistakes along the way.

Speaking of mistakes, stop being so afraid of them. You’re going to mess up, and that’s actually a good thing. Every time you fail at something, you learn. It might not feel like it in the moment, but later, you’ll realize that the things that didn’t work out helped shape who you are. Don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re not supposed to be perfect.

Also, stop comparing yourself to other people. Social media makes it look like everyone has their life together, but they don’t. People only show the best parts of their lives, not the bad days, the doubts, or the failures. Focus on yourself and your own progress instead of worrying about where everyone else is.

And one last thing—choose your friends wisely. The people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your happiness and mindset. Stick with the ones who support you, challenge you, and make life better. If someone makes you feel small or drains your energy, it’s okay to walk away.

To My Older Self I don’t know where you are right now, but I hope you haven’t forgotten to enjoy life. It’s easy to get caught up in responsibilities, stress, and what’s next, but don’t forget to appreciate where you are now. Take a deep breath. Look around. Be present.

I also hope you’re still learning. Growth doesn’t stop just because you’re older. Keep reading, exploring, and trying new things. Stay curious. The world is too big and interesting to ever think you know everything.