Messages to Our Past Selves: What We Know Now

We recently asked our community a powerful question:
If you could go back and tell yourself—one year ago—what this year would hold, what would you say?
What would you say to the parent who was just about to step into the chaos, the growth, and the unknown of it all?

And as always, your reflections blew us away.

But before we share those, I want to say this:
Reflection is one of the most important things we can do.
Without it, how do we know where we are? How do we know where we’re going?
It’s not always easy, but reflection is where perspective lives. It’s where meaning is made. And in a year full of challenge, reflection becomes a radical act of hope.

So as we close out a season, a year, or even just a tough week, I invite you to pause with us—and read the reflections from parents just like you. People who’ve lived it. Who’ve loved through it. And who’ve learned so much in the process.

Here’s what they had to say:

“Take more pictures. Hug a little longer. Love a little louder. Enjoy the ride, even when it’s bumpy. The little moments matter the most.”

“I'd tell myself: Breathe. And remember who the F@!k you are. Don’t stop believing, asking questions, or challenging the system. Your anxiety won’t change what you can’t control—so pour your energy into what you can. You've come this far. Keep going.”

“You’ve got this. It won’t be pretty, and that’s okay. You're stronger than you think. In the chaos, there are blessings—so many blessings.”

“Know and own your worth, so others will too. Make space for joy. Get outside, go to the beach, breathe in the sunset. Connect with nature—it’ll connect you back to yourself.”

“Prioritize your family. When everything else falls apart, they are your anchor. Advocate boldly. Don’t settle for what’s offered—fight for what’s needed. And trust that your intuition as a parent is powerful.”

“Create a sanctuary—in your home, in your heart, in your mind. Protect it fiercely. You don’t need to join the noise to stay connected. You just need to stay grounded in what truly matters.”

“Feel the feelings. Then put one foot in front of the other. Find your people. Build the right team—not just any team—for your child. More therapy isn’t always better. The right fit is everything.”

“Health and family are everything. Take it one day at a time. Advocate with courage. Love with your whole heart.”

“Growth is uncomfortable. But discomfort is where the magic happens. Let the chaos shape you—it will help you see the world brighter on the other side.”

This year stirred up everything. It exposed cracks. It brought us to our knees.
And it reminded us of the beauty we often forget to notice:
Hugs. Quality time. A walk outside. The gift of connection. A stocked fridge. Toilet paper on the shelves. A giggle from your child.
The basics. The things we take for granted—until they’re threatened.

And in that, there’s so much beauty.
Beauty that outweighs the noise. That reminds us of what’s real. That keeps us going.

I recently read a passage from The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer that feels just right:

“The alternative is to decide not to fight with life. You realize and accept that life is not under your control. Life is continuously changing, and if you’re trying to control it, you’ll never be able to fully live it. Instead of living life, you’ll be afraid of it. The beauty in life is the willingness to live it.”

You’ve lived it.
You’ve fought for joy in the hard.
You’ve gotten knocked down, and still—you rise.

If you’re still in the messy middle, let this be your reminder:
Have grace with yourself. Root for yourself. We’re rooting for you, too.
Always.

Wishing you and your family peace, love, and reflection this season.

With all our hearts,
Team Breakthrough ❤️

Christine Astarita