Brewing Hope: What I’d Tell My younger Self Over Iced Coffee

Dear Younger Me,

I wish we could meet up, order two big cups of iced coffee and a yummy sweet treat, and find a corner table where we could talk for hours about all your big dreams and boundless energy. You’re convinced you can do everything, be everywhere, and still follow every single dream in your heart. Don’t lose that. 

First, let me say how proud I am of you. Your drive, your willingness to chase every opportunity, put in the work, and your dedication to doing “all the things”… those qualities will serve you well. Never doubt that these traits make you strong, determined, and passionate about life.

But here’s a little secret from future you: life won’t always be neat checklists and unstoppable momentum until you call it quits. One day, your schedule will revolve around other littles needs, your travel plans will hinge on whether you can fit three car seats and all the gear necessary, and you will have to proactively plan to get out of the house with just other adults. You’ll discover a different kind of fulfillment in comforting a crying child at 2 a.m. and being someone’s entire world—even when you feel completely exhausted and unsure of yourself.

You probably won’t believe me, but the dream you have of raising twins? That surreal, non-genetic fantasy you mention, it will happen on top of the sweetest little boy. And it will be a thousand times harder than you imagined in your daydreams. You’ll question if you can give them each the time, attention, and love they deserve. You’ll wonder how you can juggle three little humans—how to be both present and productive. But you’ll also find moments so breathtakingly sweet, you’ll wish you could freeze time. 

These days, my ambitions still exist, and I’m still working on making my dreams a reality, but they shape-shift daily—just like the ever-changing routine of motherhood. I’m still dreaming and hustling in my own way, with the most important sidekick… grace. But my dreams have grown to include helping, teaching, and inspiring others. I see the ever evolving bigger picture in ways I never used to.

I also want you to know that “having it all” looks different from what you might expect. It’s not about perfect success in every domain, but more about making room in your heart for all the things and people that truly matter. And I know this one is different from what you always thought and worked towards, but it’s far from chasing the money. Sometimes, that’s a complete career shift into the unknown alone. Sometimes, it’s dancing in a messy kitchen to help calm screaming babies and a fussy toddler who need you more than your laptop. And you know what? Both can coexist.

So keep dreaming, keep booking those last-minute flights while you can, keep enjoying wherever your journey takes you. Enjoy that passionate, energetic self, and having the time to be able to put in the work because she is going to be the backbone of the mom you’ll become. Embrace the chaos and the calm. Be gentle with yourself when you can’t do it all at once (because spoiler: no one really can). Know that you’ll figure it out step by step, moment by moment.

And please, as you chase those dreams, remember to check in with yourself. Celebrate the wins—both big and small—and trust that someday, in a quieter moment, you’ll look back and see how perfectly every piece fell into place. Yes, there will be challenges, tears, doubts, and countless lessons. But there will also be laughter, growth, and a kind of love you can’t even imagine yet.

Finish your coffee, take that last sip, and step forward confidently. I promise, your next chapter, though very different than you expect, is going to be so worth it. Keep going—you’ve got this.

With love, pride, and gratitude,

Future You