What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

At Little Words Project, we believe words hold power—not just for who we are now, but for every version of ourselves we’ve ever been. This Mother’s Day season, we’ve been thinking about the stories we carry, the younger selves we’ve outgrown, and the voices we still hold onto.

So, we asked a simple question:
If you could go back and tell your younger self one thing—what would it be?

The answers? Healing, honest, and universal.

---

The Messages We All Needed to Hear

Everyone has that inner voice. For many of us, it’s not always the kindest.
Too often, it sounds like:

• “You’re too much.”

• “You need to try harder to be liked.”

• “You’re falling behind.”

We don’t always know where those thoughts came from—but we do get to choose what we say to ourselves now. That’s what makes positive affirmation bracelets like Believe, Courage, and I am Enough more than accessories. They're wearable reminders to speak to ourselves with more kindness.

---

What We’d Tell Her Now

Here are a few of the messages that came up with:

“You don’t have to be perfect to be loved.”

A reminder that love isn’t earned through overachieving. It’s given, freely, to those who show up with heart.

“Don’t trade your weirdness for belonging.”

The quirks, the loud laugh, the bold dream—they were never too much. They were the best part of us.

“You’re not behind. You’re just getting started.”

In a world that pushes timelines, this one matters. Everyone’s path is different—and yours is unfolding exactly as it should.

“Speak up. You have something to say.”

Your voice is valuable, even when you’re unsure. Especially then.

“You’re allowed to change.”

You are not meant to stay the same. Growth is a gift. Let yourself evolve.

These words helped us realize just how powerful it is to reparent ourselves through gentle affirmations. Sometimes, healing starts with the words we wish we’d heard sooner.

---

How to Create Your Own Healing Ritual

Whether you're on your own healing journey or helping someone else through theirs, small acts of reflection go a long way. Here are a few ideas you can try:

• Tape a childhood photo somewhere you’ll see it often

• Start your day with a mantra like “You’ve come so far”

• Choose a bracelet with a word like Fearless, Patience, or Believe as a morning reminder

• Write a letter to your younger self—and let her write back

These moments may be quiet, but they are deeply transformative.

---

Words That Speak to Your Inner Child

Looking for a small way to reconnect with your past self? Our affirmation bracelets are designed to do just that. Each one carries a message of compassion, growth, and grace:

• Believe – Because your younger self would be proud of you

• Courage – For every step forward, even the small ones

• I am Enough – Because you always were

• Patience – A reminder to treat yourself like someone you love

• Fearless – For the version of you that was told to dim

Find the word that speaks to you (or the person you want to gift it to).

---

Final Thoughts

There is power in looking back—not with regret, but with softness.
There is power in choosing new words.
And there is power in knowing that growth doesn’t erase who you were—it builds on her.

This week, give yourself permission to reflect.
Be gentle with the past. Brave in the present. And full of belief for what’s ahead.

You’re doing better than you think. And your younger self? She’d be so proud.