Dear Younger Self, I Wish You Knew This...
by Deena Kordt
Dear Younger Self, I Wish You Knew This...
That I love you
That I don’t expect you to be perfect
That you are amazing
That you have so much to offer
I Love You Enough to Tell You This...
It doesn’t matter how old you are
It doesn’t matter where you are
It doesn’t matter how much money you have
YOU ARE ENOUGH!
YOUR DREAMS ARE IMPORTANT → DON’T GIVE UP
DON’T PLAY SMALL → DON’T SETTLE
What Advice Would YOU Give to Your Younger Self?
Instead of beating yourself up about all:
the choices you wish you’d made differently
the mistakes you berate yourself for making
the failures (that were inevitable and part of learning and growing, but that you just can’t get past)...
...instead of all that, can you please be gentle, kind, and compassionate—even forgiving—towards your younger self?
Can you cut her some slack and consider:
the lessons she’s helped you learn
the paths she’s helped you blaze
the life she’s helped you create?
Maybe You Think She Could’ve Done a Better Job...
Maybe your life isn’t quite what you’d hoped or dreamed it could be. But it’s not over yet, right?
There are still all kinds of opportunities and options available!
No matter where you are, how old you are, or how much money you have...
THE CHOICE, as always, COMES DOWN TO YOU.
(Frick… Don’t we all just hate being reminded of that? It’s always so much easier to blame “fate” than to admit we have choices…)
As much as we moan and complain about the hand that’s been dealt us, we know...
We Do Know that we have choices.
But doing anything other than the drudging habits we’ve lazily gotten stuck in..?
That just feels:
too daunting
too exhausting
like it would take too much effort to figure out—let alone start doing...
Yet, consider this:
If you keep doing the same thing, you will keep getting the same results.
You might be full of frustration and resentment for all the time you’ve "wasted":
looking after others
studying
working
paying bills
There never seems to be any time left to catch your breath, relax, and choose anything for yourself.
There’s a crap load of guilt just waiting for you to claim when you choose to put yourself first.
There’s an inner critic pouncing all over you with accusations of:
“selfishness”
“irresponsibility”
when you even think in the direction of your dreams.
But I’m here to tell you…
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE THAT WAY.
You can still use the advice NOW that you wish your younger self had been given (or had listened to).
Now Is the Perfect Time
You know yourself better now than ever before!
You will never be younger than you are right now.
What are you waiting for?
Your Future YOU is wondering!!
So...
What advice would you give your younger self that you could start using today to change your future?
Let’s Consider What Choices You Have:
You choose how, and with whom, you live each hour of each day.
You choose how to react to what crosses your path.
You choose how to spend your time and energy.
You choose how to receive all that is available to you.
You choose how to see the world around you.
Yes—it can be very scary to realize the big, wide-open world of options available to you.
It’s tempting to stay in your familiar little cocoon of “good enough.”
You sit there trying to convince yourself you’re happy & okay, repeating that story you’ve made up—you know the one...
“This is as good as it gets. Time to let go of my daydreams.”
Well Listen Up!
Your future self is reaching back to kick your butt into gear.
Get it together, woman!
Grab those dreams by the tail.
You are not going to disappoint her.
You are not going to look back with any more regrets.
The choices are yours to make.
So, How the Hell Are You Supposed to Know the Right Path?
I'll admit—it takes a bit of inside work and self-reflection to get reacquainted with your dreams.
But it is soooo worth it!
Imagine when you're 89...
What stories do you want to share about your life and adventures?
I am here to help you sort through the fog and find the dreams you had before you talked yourself out of them.
You can start right here.
What Advice Would You Give Your Younger Self?
Sit down.
Write it out.
Read it again.
That’s some great wisdom.
And you know what?
You’ll never be any younger than you are right now. So start taking your own advice—NOW.
It’s NOT too late.
Your future self is so damn proud of you.
She’s rooting for you.
She knows you’ll choose well.
She can’t wait to watch you blossom.
I’m rooting for you too, Sister.
xo, Deena
P.S.
Here’s some help to get you started!
A guidebook & companion journal I wrote just for you.
Wanna get a sneak peek?
👉 Click here for a FREE GIFT from me.
This article was written by Deena Kordt and featured in the Spring 2025 issue of Life Changes & Divorce Magazine Canada.
📖 Read the issue here
Meet the Author - Deena Kordt
Deena Kordt, publisher of Divorce Magazine Canada, Life Changes Magazine, host of the Life Changes Channel podcast, is also an author & speaker from Southern Saskatchewan with a passion for inspiring personal growth and community support. Growing up on a farm and ranch, she developed strong small-town values and a deep sense of community. Deena has had a diverse career, including roles as a nurse, librarian, and reiki master, but her most cherished role is as a mother.
Deena's books, podcast, magazines, blog and presentations aim to help individuals reconnect with their inner strength and joy, encouraging them to embrace life with courage and resilience. She has overcome significant personal challenges, including the loss of two brothers and living in an abusive situation, which has fueled her mission to support others on their healing journeys.
Known for her adventurous spirit and rock 'n roll heart, Deena believes in the power of a supportive community of women. She invites you to join her in exploring life with curiosity and courage.
Awards and Recognition:
2023 Womanition Trail Blazer Award Nominee
2024 Soroptimist International Ruby Award Winner
Deena has been featured on several podcasts and magazines, co-hosts the “Shift Happens Show” and is working on her memoir.
Note: The author, compiler and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party due to these words coming from the author’s own opinion based on their experiences. This account is based on the author’s own personal experience. We assume no responsibility for errors or omissions in these articles.
