Caption: Yasmine Resse Rosel
Layout: Carl Carasco

It’s okay to take a moment and mourn the person you once were—the version of yourself that carried you through so much, even when things felt impossible. It’s okay to grieve the person you hoped to become—the dreams and plans you had for the future that didn’t go the way you expected. Growth isn’t always a straight line, and it doesn’t mean letting go of every part of who you were. Instead, it’s about learning to embrace change, honor your past, and find peace with the path you’re on now

You are allowed to feel sadness for the version of yourself you’ve outgrown and the goals you’ve had to let go of, but remember that your journey is still unfolding. Even in the midst of loss, there is so much room for new opportunities, new dreams, and new strength to emerge. Trust that every step forward, no matter how small, is shaping you into someone even more resilient, compassionate, and capable. Be gentle with yourself—healing and growth take time, and you are exactly where you need to be in this moment