Four Nuggets of Wisdom About Dreams for My Younger Self

Embracing the Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery

Photographer: Elise Romany

If I could go back in time, I would love to have a cup of coffee with Past-Me (while Present-Me drank herbal tea instead and, of course, worried about the space-time continuum). My younger version was genuinely intrigued by the uncertain, unfolding direction of her life, but she secretly wondered if this was all life had to offer. She knew she needed more. Way more.

In our heart-to-heart that would risk breaking time itself, these are the four essential lessons I’d love to share with her:

1. Embrace the fluidity of dreams: Yes, you absolutely can do all the things you secretly dream about, but they might not happen in the timing or way you imagine. My best advice would be to stay open to the dream but don’t remain committed to only one path for its actualisation. Dreams evolve in time, space, and nature. Let them. And let them be free in your grasp — free even to run away and come back to you completely different. You’ll recognize them at the right time if they’re truly yours.
2. Appreciate the power of smaller steps: Sometimes, the smallest keys open the largest doors (this one is courtesy of my dad). And sometimes, those unassuming back or side doors are the entry points to an even better, unexpected journey. Remember, there’s…