Everyone says that if they could go back in time and change something, they would…

I wouldn’t change a thing. The versions of me that have existed created who I am today from the battles they faced and won.

What I would do, I would sit down with each version of myself, during their dark times and tell them that it will all be okay. That they are allowed to simply exist and take up space. They are enough, no matter what. That one day, safety will come, and they will make it out.
I would tell them to always fight on and to never give up on themselves. To always protect the light of their soul, knowing that years down the road, that bright would be needed more than ever.

I would tell them to go easy on themselves.

I would tell them that I was so proud of them, for fighting on even when they wanted to give up.

I would hug them, and tell them they are doing okay, and that I am happy that they exist.

I grew into someone they needed by their side in the darkness they faced.
I grew into someone they would feel safe with.