I met my younger self for coffee.

I was ten minutes early; she was right on time.

I ordered a Flat White; she ordered a London Fog with extra vanilla.

I tilted my head, closed my eyes, and exhaled. She looked at me in complete awe and smiled.

We both have a matching red lip stain. Some things never change.

“What’s been on your mind lately?” She asked.

I paused. Wondering if I should let it all out. I smiled and said, “Not much, just taking things day by day.”

She said she’s thinking about giving up on therapy after one session. I assured her that after eight years of consistency, it’s worth it and necessary.

She gazed out the window and said, “But if I quit now, I’d be starting all over again.”

I assured her that quitting and starting over with intentionality for her true passion is the best decision she could ever make.

She said that she really wants to travel, write and explore the world.

I told her that I moved abroad, life is getting better and I’m in love with my first full novel.

She doesn’t know this, but I think about her often. It’s her perseverance, courage, and mistakes along the way that has shaped me into the woman I am today.

Before leaving, she gave me a tight hug and whispered, “I’m so proud of you.”