There is a Past Version of You That is So Proud of How Far You Have Come

Sometimes, it’s easy to overlook just how much we’ve grown. We tend to be so focused on where we’re headed, on what still feels unfinished, that we rarely take a moment to look back and acknowledge the journey that’s brought us here. But what if we could pause for a moment and imagine a past version of ourselves standing next to us? What would they say? What would they think of all we’ve become?

If I close my eyes, I can see the younger me looking up wide-eyed, a mix of awe and disbelief. She was filled with questions and insecurities, seeking direction and finding comfort in certainty. She spent days wondering if she’d ever get out of the patterns that held her back and find a way to break free and become who she indeed was. And now, here I am—living proof that she made it.

I want to tell her, “Thank you for hanging on. Thank you for dreaming about a life beyond what you thought you deserved. Your quiet courage, the small acts of bravery, every tear and every step forward—they all mattered. You’ve brought me here.”

When we think about growth, we often see it as a straight line—an upward trajectory that leads us from point A to point B. But real growth is messy, cyclical, and nonlinear. There were times when I felt like I was spiraling back to old habits, taking steps that seemed to undo years of progress. But looking back now, I can see how even those moments were crucial; they were the learning curves that taught me resilience, patience, and the art of beginning again.

As I reflect, I find myself not only celebrating where I am today but feeling immense gratitude for all the parts of me that got me here: the version of me that stepped out of my comfort zone, the version that took a sabbatical, recognizing the need to breathe, the one who questioned old beliefs, rewriting what it meant to serve and love others—and myself. The one who took the leap to audition, write a book, and say yes to opportunities even if they scared me.

To anyone reading this, I hope you’ll take a moment today to remember the past versions of yourself. Think about how much they endured, how much they wanted this life you’re living now. They would be proud of how far you’ve come—not because everything is perfect, but because you didn’t give up on becoming who you were meant to be.

So, here’s to honoring every part of our journey, to celebrating the past, the present, and the person we are becoming.