A conversation with my younger self

I met my younger self for coffee today.

She arrived ten minutes early. I arrived late, finishing the little one’s breastfeeding session.

She wore a mismatched outfit, stripes with florals, unbothered by the clash. I wore the only jeans that fit me comfortably and a knitted sweater, both chosen for ease and comfort. We still keep our hair down as a security blanket.

She orders a mocha frappe. I order an iced latte. We still like our coffee cold.

She asks, “Have we figured it out yet?”

I smile, swirling my drink.

“In some ways, yes. In others, not at all. But you know more about yourself now, and that’s what matters most.”

She asks how being a fashion designer is going.

I laugh, shaking my head. “We try so many things. Eventually, we land on graphic design. But the greatest joy? Raising our little one while building a community for moms.”

She smiles and nods, letting it sink in.

We leave still wondering what life will bring.

We will meet again, every day, as I raise our daughter.

(Inspired by Jenna Cecelia poem in Deep in My Feels.)

🌀 Busy mom life? I get it, listen to the newsletter here.

Growth isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about learning to sit with who we are at every stage. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on just how much I’ve changed, evolved. My younger self thought success meant chasing a dream career. I use to dream about running off to NYC to become a fashion designer. Now, I see it in slow mornings, warm baby snuggles, and the strength of community. And I dream of how my little one will grow, a better world, and balance.

During a recent job interview (yes, SAHM life isn’t 100% for me), the conversation drifted toward motherhood. We talked about how much you change through it. How, for a while, you long to return to the person you once were. Until one day, you stop waiting to "come back" to yourself and start grieving the version of you that no longer exists. And then, slowly, you embrace the person you’ve become.

What would your younger self ask you? And how would you answer? Hit reply, I’d love to hear from you.

Oh and btw, I got the job!🍾

💖 Loving: Using these under-eye masks after battling my first cold with an infant because motherhood doesn’t come with sick days.

🙉 Listening: The ultimate hype book to remind you just how much of a badass you are.

🪞Noticing: I wish I had stayed consistent with journaling. Maybe one line a day is the way to start?

🛋️ Watching: A short clip on the beauty of embracing change, especially through motherhood.

🖌️ Creating: Sitting with the evolution of who I am. If you met your younger self for coffee, what would she say? What would you tell her?

📚 Reading: Hopefully your personal journey through motherhood, share your wisdom, struggles, and moments of joy here.

🌿 Moving: Take a gentle walk while listening to today’s newsletter, thinking about what you’d say to your younger self.

At times, we may feel like strangers to ourselves, but eventually, we return, reflect, and learn to embrace every version of who we’ve been.

So tell me, if you could have coffee with your younger self, what would you say? Reply and let me know, I’d love to hear. ☕️

Cheers,
Ari
Your fellow mom who gets it

P.S. I dream of building a space where moms, at every stage of their journey, can come together and share their stories. Each path is unique, filled with wisdom, struggles, and moments of joy that deserve to be heard. If you’ve ever felt like your experience could help another mom feel less alone, I’d love for you to share your story. 💖

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