If I could go back in time, I would give my younger self the squishiest hug she could possibly ever get, and allow her to cry out all the pain she believed is undeserving of her tears.

If I could go back in time, I would take her behind the scenes, so she could see how it was never about her; how those who hurt her the most had to deal with their own unresolved wounds. I would remind her to breathe in places where she doesn’t realize her lungs are intentionally refusing to cooperate, I’d assure her she never has to continue walking around feeling like someone’s strangling her. I’d have her face every mirror she comes across so she could fall in love with her smile, and I’d shut her ears until she learns to find the validation within herself first. I’d show her how those who intimidate her, are often even more intimidated by her.

If I go back in time, I’d look at the current version of myself and genuinely celebrate how far she’s gone, despite not knowing any of those.

If you could go back in time, what would you do?

Basma Zaki