A year ago today, I was really going through some emotionally draining situations. My personal life in September 2020 was a mess.

And it’s something I’ve been able to reflect and think about a lot in this past year. The fact that it has been a year in itself is mind-boggling. That I haven’t talked to people who I once considered close friends with in a year. The fact that I’m not the same person I was a year ago, that everyone especially my age is constantly evolving.

Though a year ago I was a mess, I have so much gratitude for what those experiences brought to my life. Sometimes I like to think that because of September 2020 the course of my life may be a little different than it would have been without that sucky month. I know that sounds very extreme, but sometimes life throws a lot on you in order for you to grow. In full transparency, I have grown out of the person I used to be. Part of me wishes I could have a conversation with that version of myself, from a year ago. I was so confused about how I let myself get treated. I didn’t understand how I was feeling and let my friend’s advice dictate how I should feel.

• I wish I could tell that younger version of myself that other people’s actions are more of a reflection of how they feel about themselves versus you.

• Don’t blame yourself you tried your best, and the best is all you can really do

• Focus on your big-picture goals, and stop listening to your friend’s advice. Your friends might not see your same vision or have the same experiences therefore instead of being encouraging indirectly they can be discouraging

• When in doubt, be respectful and do the right thing, and try and leave things as best as possible.

It’s so important to reflect on where you are and the progress you have made. Reflecting on what has evolved, and what you need to work harder at. It’s one of the best feelings knowing that you got through it, grew from it, and are now chipping away at becoming the version of yourself you could only imagine being a year ago.

What is something you wish you could have told the younger version of yourself a year ago?

romper: old Free People/ jacket: Daily Disco/ earrings: mom’s kit