Coffee with my younger self: A conversation through time

As I approach a milestone birthday, I can’t help but reflect on the years gone by- the ups, the downs and everything in between that has shaped me. If I was to sit down with my younger self over over a cup of coffee today, what would I tell her? What advice would I offer, and what would the conversation be like?

In this post, I invite you dear reader, to join me as I reflect and imagine having a cup of coffee with my younger myself.

Setting: I step into a cozy cafe, furnished with blush-pink barrel chairs and mahogany coffee tables. The walls are adorned with pink floral decorations and soft drapings hang from the windows. Natural light streams in from the window, filling the air with an inviting glow. The rich aroma of coffee is warm and inviting, filling the air. Several patrons are scattered at the different tables, and a soft chatter of mixed voices fills the air.

I glance around the room, searching for her, then chuckle to myself when I realize she hasn’t arrived yet. Of course, she’s late—just like always. I scan the room for a place to sit and settle at a table toward the back, next to a large window. The view outside is tranquil, with a lush lawn and colorful flowerbeds.

I settle into my seat and take out my phone, to continue with my current read. A few minutes later she walks in, scanning the room nervously. Our eyes meet and a huge smile lights up her face when she recognizes me. She walks up to the table and takes a seat, apologising profusely for being late, and a knowing smile spreads across my face.

She orders a hot chocolate and I order a cappucino. I look longingly into her eyes, admiring her innocence- the way she views life through rose-coloured glasses. I, on the other hand, no longer view the world like that. My view is now more realistic and grounded after experiencing life’s numerous complexities. I have now come to realise that life doesn’t always turn out the way we expect it to and sometimes plans fail. I still maintain optimism within my realism and I have learnt to embrace the beauty in it- the strength and resilience to adapt to complexities when things don’t go according to plan. A part of me envies her purity and innocence.

She takes a sip of her hot chocolate, looks up at me, and smiles with abandon- a smile that hasn’t been touched by the harshness of the world around her. To her, the future is filled with infinite possibilities, like a blank canvas ready to be painted with dreams and ambition. In her world, all things are possible.

I tell her how, over the years I have accepted myself for who I am and I no longer put pressure on myself to conform. I am not worried about fitting in, and I am very comfortable with removing myself from places and situations that no longer serve me. I have also learnt to give myself grace and be kind to myself even when I fall short. I now understand that I don’t have to be perfect- no one is.

I wish I had learnt sooner to embrace the journey I am on and not make comparisons. My journey matters, it’s unique in its own right and I am at peace with that.

Over the years, I have met different people and formed connections with them on different levels. It’s fascinating to know how each one has their own story filled with both struggles and triumph. I enjoy those kind of interactions now and realise that everyone has something to offer and some of those interactions have enriched my own life in ways I could have never imagined.

I tell her how in my darkest moments love has saved me- love in all it’s various forms. Unwavering, steady, understanding and supporting love. Love from family, friends and love that I have learnt to give to myself over the years. It has has brought me back to the light and instilled hope that I am never ever alone.

I tell her how some of the dreams she had have come true, some are still in the pipeline and some of them had to be readjusted as interests changed. She looks at me and smiles again. I hope she is proud of me. She tells me she wishes me well and hopes I get to achieve the ones in the pipeline. I respond, “definitely- it’s just a matter of time.”

We finally say our goodbyes, her expectant of the future, and me proud of how far we’ve come, and also eager for what lies ahead. I feel a sense of overwhelming peace as we part ways, fully aware that the journey is far from over. I hope when we meet again we will have more to talk about, celebrate and share! Until then, I cherish how far we have come and look forward to all that’s to come.