Making it to my 30s and having lived multiple lives in my 20s, I wish my 18-year-old self knew that things would work out how they were supposed to.

18-year-old me did not know who she was or what she would end up doing. 31-year-old me is still figuring it out, but is wiser and knows where she stands. 31-year-old me knows what matters to her and has learned many things.

Your people will always be your people and will never let you down.

‘No’ is more than enough; explanations not needed.

The phrase ‘It is what it is’ is the truest thing ever said.

Embrace the unique things that make you, you.

And most importantly, your morals and ethics should never waver; no matter the cost.

With all that being said, it’s fitting to write to my future self.

Me 10-15 years from now deserves to remember that she has come long way from the teen who was trying to find her place. Or the young adult who thought she should have everything figured out before 25.

At 31, she realised no one ever truly knows what they are doing. She also realised that every person’s story is a book and the author is different in every case.

I hope that future me sees this and remembers that she is exactly where Allah SWT intended for her to be. I hope she remembers that growth happens each and every day and that everything happens at the right time for them.

Hindsight really is 20/20 and when future me looks back she will see what 31-year-old me was blind to during this time.