Letter to Younger Self: Trust me, this chaos ages well

Every scar has a story. “Letter to My Younger Self” invites you into the reflective hearts of people who've walked winding roads—offering gentle truths, bold lessons, and encouragement for anyone still figuring it out. These weekly letters are full of grace and grit, showing how setbacks shape wisdom and how the past still holds power to teach. From nurturing curiosity to embracing mentorship, each piece is a tribute to growth through lived experience.

Leah Wanjiru a Psychologist & Social Entrepreneur pens this week’s heartfelt Letter to My Younger Self.

Dear Younger Self 

I see you. I remember you. 

Born in town, shaped in the village, and stretched across the coast, you were never meant to fit into one box. And I’m proud of you for not forcing it. 

When you moved to Taita Taveta from Murang’a, everything changed from the language, the rhythm, the people and the culture. You stumbled through Swahili, slowly finding your voice, even as your Kikuyu accent faded into the background. 

That was not just a loss… that it was an evolution. Primary school tested you in ways you did not understand then. 

Moving from public to private schools felt like stepping into a world that was not built for You. You questioned yourself. You felt out of place at something; and it is okay cause everyone those at some point in life. But still you showed up. 

You pushed through. And you earned your place in a better school. That was not luck. That was grit. 

High school life at Mixed Secondary School in the rural hills of Taita? That is where something awakened. You started to see it; you were not just a student; you were a creator. From science congress trials to experimenting with formulations, that curiosity planted a seed. 

The entrepreneur in you was born there, quietly but powerfully. And you followed it. Campus life came with uncertainty. You chose psychology without fully knowing where it would lead. But look at you, you leaned in. You explored. You stayed open. You did not let confusion stop you from learning. You took every opportunity, even when you were tired, even when you did not have it all figured out. 

That discipline… that hunger… it carried you. Now I stand here, looking back at every moment, the uncomfortable ones, the confusing ones, the wins and the quiet lessons and I’m deeply proud. Every experience shaped you. Every challenge refined you. You did not waste a single moment. And through it all, my parents kept me grounded. They gave me discipline, structure, and values that became my foundation. 

That strength? It shows in everything you do. So, if I could tell you one thing, it’s this: You do not need to have it all figured out to be on the right path. Just keep moving. Keep learning. Keep becoming. You are loved at home and your people will always find you. You are building something bigger than you can see right now. And trust me, it’s beautiful.

With love and pride,  Your future self.

Everyone has a story worth sharing. If you’ve ever wished you could talk to your younger self—with wisdom, forgiveness, or clarity—we invite you to write to us. Your real, heartfelt letter might just be the encouragement someone else needs today. You may remain anonymous if preferred, but your truth matters. We don’t pay contributors, but we believe in the power of shared experience. Join us in building a collection of life’s hard-earned lessons and gentle reminders.

Be part of this movement. Send your Letter to My Younger Self to: [email protected]