I Sat Down With My Younger Self for Coffee

I sat down with my younger self for coffee today.
She ordered something sweet, like always. I smiled, because of course she did.
We found a quiet corner. She had questions… all the ones I knew were coming.
And I did my best to answer them, gently. Honestly. The way I wish someone had answered them for me back then.

She wanted to know if I ever figured out who I am.
I told her I’m still figuring it out, but that maybe that’s the whole point. That every season uncovers new layers, and none of them are wrong.
I said the goal isn’t to arrive, it’s to keep going.
She liked that.

She asked if I ever stopped being so hard on myself.
I paused for a while.
I told her I’m learning. Slowly. That I’ve gotten better at offering myself the kind of grace I so freely give to others.

She wondered if I still think about our mom.
I said, “Every day.” But now I do it with more softness than ache.
She didn’t cry, and neither did I, but we held the moment like we both knew what it meant.
(We did.)

She asked about him, the person she always hoped she’d meet.
I told her yes.
Yes to the kind of love that makes you feel safe to breathe.
Yes to someone who chooses me, over and over again, in all my forms.
She sighed, relieved. “I was starting to worry,” she joked.
I told her not to. That some of the best things take their time and require some distance.

She asked if we ever stopped feeling behind.
I told her the timeline she’s chasing doesn’t really exist and the moment you stop comparing, life gets a little lighter.
She asked if I really believe that.
I told her I’m trying to.

She asked about Dad.
And I told her…
He’s still our hero.
But now I understand even more of what he gave up to give us everything.
We’ve only gotten closer. He still shows up, still sacrifices, still finds ways to make us laugh when life feels heavy.
She smiled wide, the kind of smile that comes from deep, steady love.

She asked if I’m happy.
I said yes. Not all the time. But in the ways that count the most.

And just before she left, she looked at me one more time searching for something she couldn’t quite name.
I smiled and said, “Whatever you’re hoping this life will be… it’s even better than that.”
She believed me.

Reflective Question:
What would happen if you sat down with your younger self for coffee? What would they want to know and what would you want to say?