What Would Your Younger Self Think of You Today?
What do you think your younger self would think of you today?
I read Everygirl—every. single. time. It’s such an amazing platform. And NO, I’m not getting paid to say this. The newsletters and weekly emails are that good.
One question stuck with me—the one they ask during their “Per My Last Email” series, where they interview women about career journeys and overall happiness:
What do you think your younger self would think of you today?
I thought that would be a great question to ask all of you.
So, let’s reflect:
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I know so many of us in health promotion/public health once had dreams of becoming doctors, nurses, or researchers. But the one thing we all shared?
A burning desire to save the world.
With age comes wisdom—but let’s be real, the spontaneous part of life tends to fade as we get older.
I’m still young-ish, and I wanted to work everywhere in public health.
And I kind of did!
I’ve worked in infectious diseases (honestly, I still think I’ll circle back to this area), vaccines and immunizations, cancer disparities and screenings, food insecurity (loved the mission, hated the toxic work environment), taught both college and grad courses (still love and advocate for this work), and now I’m in policy (and planning to sit here for a while).
I’ve done so much.
Projects that people will still be talking about years from now.
Needs assessments. Program design.
Started businesses.
Worked for organizations my younger self wouldn’t have even imagined.
My younger self would be shocked. Like, "Wait…you did all that?"
Take a minute to reflect on your own journey.
Think about how far you’ve come.
The things you’ve accomplished. The storms you survived. The growth you didn’t even realize was happening.
What would your younger self say about the person you are today?
Would they be in awe? Would they say you settled?
If they think you haven’t checked off everything on your list, ask yourself: What’s stopping you?
Even if it’s just an inch here or half an inch there, move toward the life and career you want.
We’re all getting older by the day, and you don’t want to look back and be stuck in regret.
So I’ll ask one more time:
What do you think your younger self would think of you today?
Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to hear your reflections.
With purpose,
Nakia
Founder, Iam Health Education
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