When you were a kid, you had big dreams, right? But life happened, and the road to those dreams was never as straightforward as you imagined.
However, don’t be so quick to dismiss your accomplishments. You see, what you’ve built could possibly be something your younger self would be incredibly proud of.
Stay tuned as we delve into these signs and unpack how they reflect a life that deserves a pat on the back from your younger, dream-chasing self.
1) You’ve overcome fears
Remember those fears that kept you awake at night when you were younger? Those monsters under the bed, the unknown future, or simply stepping out of your comfort zone?
Well, look at you now.
You’ve faced those fears head-on and guess what? You survived. Not only that, you thrived.
Whether it was moving to a new city, starting a new job or even public speaking, you confronted those fears and came out stronger on the other side.
Be proud of that. It’s proof of resilience and courage – something your younger self would definitely admire.
2) You’ve learned to say no
Growing up, I had a hard time saying no. I was always eager to please, worried about disappointing others or missing out. But it often left me feeling overwhelmed and burnt out.
But one day, I realized that saying yes to everything meant saying no to my own needs and well-being.
So, I made a change. I started prioritizing my own needs and learned to say no without feeling guilty.
And you know what? It was liberating.
Being able to stand up for myself and set boundaries has been a game-changer.
It’s given me more time for the things I love and made me more content with my life – something my younger self would surely be proud of.
3) You’ve built meaningful relationships
When it comes to measuring success, the value of good relationships often exceeds material wealth.
Close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy throughout their life.
It’s not about how many friends you have, but about the quality of those relationships.
If you’ve managed to cultivate deep connections with the people around you, celebrate that.
These bonds bring joy, provide support during life’s lows, and enhance your overall well-being. That’s an achievement your younger self would definitely be proud of.
4) You’re living authentically
Remember when you were younger, and the pressure to fit in was enormous? You may have hidden aspects of your true self to be accepted by your peers.
But now, you’ve embraced who you truly are.
You’re no longer afraid to express your thoughts, beliefs, or individuality. You’ve stopped trying to meet others’ expectations and started living life on your own terms.
Living authentically is not always easy, but it’s a clear sign you’ve grown and built a life that would’ve made your younger self proud.
5) You’ve learned to enjoy your own company
I remember a time when being alone was synonymous with being lonely. I used to fill my calendar with social events just to avoid spending time by myself.
But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the value of solitude.
I’ve learned that spending time alone is not about isolation; it’s about self-discovery, self-reflection, and growth.
Now, I cherish those quiet moments with a good book or a long walk in nature.
These moments of solitude have made me more self-reliant and comfortable in my own skin.
Embracing solitude and enjoying your own company is a sign of maturity and self-confidence that your younger self could only aspire to.
6) You’ve embraced your mistakes
It’s natural to look back on past mistakes with a sense of regret.
But here’s something you might not expect – those mistakes are actually something to be proud of.
Why? Because they mean you’ve taken risks. You’ve stepped out of your comfort zone and dared to make bold decisions.
And even though things didn’t always work out, those experiences have shaped you into the person you are today.
Mistakes are life’s greatest teachers.
If you can look back at them without regret, but with gratitude for the lessons learned, you’ve grown in ways your younger self could only dream of.
7) You’ve found balance
Life is a juggling act. Between work, family, friends, and personal interests, it’s easy to lose balance.
But if you’ve managed to create a harmonious balance between these different aspects of your life, that’s a huge accomplishment.
It shows you’ve learned to prioritize what truly matters and let go of what doesn’t.
Finding balance is a continuous process and it’s not always perfect. But the fact that you’re striving for it is something your younger self would be proud of.
8) You’re content with who you are
At the end of the day, the most significant sign you’ve built a life that would’ve made your younger self proud is a sense of contentment with who you are.
You’ve accepted your strengths, your weaknesses, your victories, and your failures.
You’ve embraced your journey with all its twists and turns and found joy in the person you’ve become.
This sense of self-acceptance and contentment is the ultimate sign of personal growth and a life well-lived.
Embrace your journey
As you look back on the journey you’ve been on and the person you’ve become, remember that every step mattered.
Every triumph, every stumble, every moment of joy, and every tear shed has contributed to the person you are today.
It’s not about achieving perfection, but about growing, learning, and continually striving to be better.
And if you can see these signs in your life, it’s a testament to how far you’ve come.
Take time to reflect on your journey. Appreciate the progress you’ve made, and remember that it’s your unique path that has led you here.
Each of these signs is a testament to a life well-lived and a younger self who would be beaming with pride.
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Life is a journey, not a destination”.
And in this journey, you’ve built a life that your younger self would have admired.
Keep going, keep growing, and most importantly, keep being proud of who you are.
