I Met My Younger Self for Tea Today
She was 30 minutes early.
I was 10 minutes early.
I ordered a mint tea and smiled, knowing one day she’d swap sugar for something that soothes her nervous system instead of overstimulating it.
She sat across from me, wide-eyed, searching my face for answers.
She told me she’s tired. Not just physically, but deep in her bones. Like she’s been carrying something too heavy for too long.
I nodded. “You have.”
She told me she doesn’t know what it feels like to be safe. That she’s spent her whole life trying to be ‘good’ so that no one gets angry, so that no one leaves.
I took her hand and said, “One day, you’ll realise that love isn’t something you have to earn. And safety isn’t something you have to fight for—it’s something you will create for yourself.”
She hesitated before whispering, “I don’t think I’ll ever be free.”
I felt that in my chest. Because I remember.
I told her, “You will leave. The life you’re in right now—the fear, the walking on eggshells, the feeling like you have to be small just to survive—it won’t last forever.”
Her breath caught in her throat. “But… I don’t think I’m strong enough.”
I squeezed her hand tighter. “You don’t have to be strong yet. One day, the pain of staying will be greater than the fear of leaving, and that’s when you’ll take your first step. And I promise you, step by step, you will rebuild yourself.”
She looked at me, eyes searching. “What happens next?”
I smiled through the tears stinging my eyes. “You learn boundaries. You heal. You unravel all the lies you were told about yourself. You stop living for everyone else and finally, finally choose you.”
She let out a shaky breath. “Will I ever be happy?”
I smiled, feeling the weight of every moment that brought me here. “One day, you’ll be happier than you ever thought possible. And the best part? That happiness will belong to you. Not borrowed. Not dependent. Not conditional. Yours.”
She wiped her eyes and nodded, as if for the first time, she could believe it.
And as she walked away, I whispered, “Hold on just a little longer. It will all be worth it.”
I hope we meet for tea again soon.
I have so much more to tell her.
Xxx
Loved this post? Keep exploring…
→ Tune into the Podcast: ‘Not HER Anymore’ is where we go even deeper into healing, boundaries, nervous system support, and self-worth.
→ Grab a Free Resource: From breathwork to boundaries — explore free tools to start your journey.
→ Ready for Support? Explore 1:1 coaching and my signature programme.
Let’s stay connected: Instagram – I’d love to hear what resonated with you.
Be the first to comment