I remember sitting in my childhood bedroom, scribbling in my diary about who I’d become one day. My younger self had these big dreams and an unshakeable belief that I’d eventually figure things out.
Fast-forward to now, and although life hasn’t always gone according to plan, there’s something beautiful about who we become along the way.
Yet so many of us—myself included—forget to pause and appreciate how far we’ve come. It’s all too easy to brush off our growth and focus on what we haven’t accomplished yet.
Today, I want to celebrate seven things your younger self would be immensely proud of, even if you rarely give yourself credit for them.
1. You are far more resilient than you realize
When I think back to my teenage years, I remember feeling emotions so intensely I thought they’d swallow me whole. Back then, failing a test or having a fallout with a friend seemed like the end of the world.
But look at you now. Chances are, you’ve faced situations far more challenging than a school drama or a bad grade—maybe you’ve navigated tough job markets, heartbreaks, or unexpected life curveballs.
Your younger self would look at your ability to bounce back and think, “Wow, you’re so strong.” Resilience doesn’t just mean surviving difficulties; it means adapting, learning, and moving forward with greater wisdom.
So if you’re ever feeling low, consider the crises you’ve handled. Your younger self would be amazed that you picked yourself up more times than you can count—and kept going.
2. You’ve cultivated a deeper sense of empathy
Growing up, maybe you were aware of your feelings but didn’t fully grasp how complex other people’s emotions could be. It’s one thing to feel deeply for yourself; it’s another to extend that empathy to others.
Over time, you’ve likely met people from all walks of life—through work, travel, friendships, or even random encounters. Now, when someone shares their story, you’re able to listen without judgment and imagine what it’s like to walk in their shoes.
This evolution in understanding doesn’t happen overnight. It comes from heartbreaks, disappointments, and genuine connections that taught you empathy is a two-way street.
Your younger self would see how open-hearted you are now and feel proud. That heartfelt compassion is something worth applauding, so don’t discount it in your day-to-day life.
3. You’ve been brave enough to face self-doubt
When I was younger, I didn’t fully understand how sabotaging self-doubt could be. I just knew that sometimes I felt unsure or insecure, hoping that one day I’d magically outgrow those feelings.
Truth is, nobody truly outgrows self-doubt—it just evolves. The real victory is acknowledging it and still moving forward.
One big turning point for me came after taking Rudá Iandê’s “Free Your Mind” masterclass. I was feeling stuck, convinced I wasn’t living up to my potential.
Rudá’s approach helped me pinpoint the limiting beliefs that were quietly pulling the strings. I realized that while I might always have that little voice saying “you’re not enough,” I also have the power to say, “I hear you, but I’m choosing courage anyway.”
This class gave me tools to question my own mental barriers.
The exercises inspired me to see doubt as part of being human rather than proof of failure.
Your younger self would be in awe of this willingness to face the scary parts of your own mind. That bravery—acknowledging your fears without letting them run the show—is a massive win you probably don’t celebrate enough.
4. You’ve learned to honor your own boundaries
Growing up, many of us were people-pleasers without even knowing it. We might have said “yes” to everything just to fit in or avoid conflict.
Now, you’ve likely discovered that saying “no” can be one of the most empowering things you do. Whether it’s turning down social invitations when you need rest or stepping away from relationships that drain you, you’ve figured out that your energy and time are precious.
Sure, you might sometimes slip into old habits, worrying about what others think. But your younger self would see the progress and think, “I can’t believe we stand up for ourselves like that now.”
Boundaries aren’t about shutting people out. They’re about recognizing your limits and protecting your well-being.
So give yourself credit for the moments you refuse to settle, ignore red flags, or allow guilt to control your decisions. Your younger self would be high-fiving you for that.
5. You’ve embraced your own style and passions
When you’re young, you often dress for trends, like the friend whose opinion matters most that week. You might have gone along with hobbies or interests just to fit into a certain crowd.
But somewhere along the way, you started tuning into your own preferences. Maybe you experimented with different fitness classes, found a hidden love for painting, or learned to enjoy your own quirky music tastes.
This might sound small, but it’s huge. Choosing how you present yourself to the world—be it through clothes, creative pursuits, or daily routines—requires self-awareness and confidence.
Your younger self would be thrilled that you’re no longer apologizing for your individuality. That sense of authenticity is worth celebrating.
So even if you’re still figuring out exactly what feels most “you,” applaud yourself for daring to explore. Your younger self would think you’re pretty cool for that.
6. You’ve stopped letting fear of failure hold you back
Back in my teenage years, I often avoided trying new things because I dreaded messing up. I remember skipping talent shows or group projects that seemed out of my comfort zone, worried about embarrassment more than the potential fun.
Over time, life presents enough opportunities where you either take the leap or stay on the sidelines. From changing careers to moving to a new city, you’ve likely made big decisions that required courage.
Sometimes, you may have fallen flat on your face. But you got up, dusted off, and kept moving—which is something your younger self only daydreamed about doing.
Failing is painful, sure. Yet it often opens doors to insights and strengths you didn’t know you had.
If your younger self could witness you now—going after goals, taking risks, trusting that you’ll find a way—she’d be clapping so hard. Because it’s not the absence of failure that defines success; it’s the willingness to try in spite of it.
7. You’ve created moments of real connection
Remember when making friends was as simple as sitting next to someone in class or asking to join a game on the playground? As adults, finding genuine connection can feel more complicated.
Life has a way of scattering people across different cities, responsibilities, and phases. Yet you’ve still managed to form or maintain bonds that truly matter.
That could mean having one close friend you can call anytime or a group chat that lights up your day with shared memes and inside jokes. Or maybe you’ve stepped outside your comfort zone and found community in unexpected places, like a local volunteer group or a mindfulness workshop.
Your younger self might not have understood the complexity of adult friendships, but she would love the fact that you still carve out space for laughter and support. Those shared moments and deep conversations are more special than you probably realize.
Nurturing authentic connections is no small feat in a world that moves at lightning speed. So give yourself a nod for keeping the spark of togetherness alive, even when life feels hectic.
Conclusion
You may not be exactly where you thought you’d be by now, but don’t let that overshadow the growth you’ve achieved. Our younger selves often hold this bright, hopeful mirror up to our adult realities—encouraging us to recognize how far we’ve come.
Whenever you catch yourself thinking you haven’t done enough, pause. Ask yourself, “What would little me think of all this?”
Chances are, she’d be pretty impressed by your resilience, empathy, self-advocacy, and willingness to follow what genuinely lights you up.
Here at DM News, I love reminding you—and myself—that it’s essential to celebrate these milestones, both big and small. So keep going, and remember to give yourself the credit you so clearly deserve.
You’ve come so far, and your journey is an inspiration in ways you might not fully see yet.
Believe me, your younger self does.
