I met my younger self for chai today.

She was late and rushed. I was rushed but just on time. Some things never change.

She ordered her usual chai. I ordered a hot chocolate—something I’ve been enjoying lately.

She wore her usual abaya, effortless and familiar.
I wore a minimal Malaysian dress, simple yet intentional.

She glanced at me, then hesitated. “So… do you wear niqab online too?”

I smiled. “Yes. And I don’t overthink it anymore.”

She nodded slowly, stirring her chai. I knew what she was thinking—how she used to try different styles, worried about judgment, afraid of being put into a box. “Turns out, it was never about them. It was just about confidence.”

She took a sip, then leaned forward. “Did you get a chance to study at the university in Madinah?”

I exhaled, knowing how much she wanted that. “Not the way you imagined. But I am finishing my final year majoring in Ulum ul Quran—from Al Madinah International University in Malaysia.”

She blinked, processing it. I could see the wheels turning, the quiet reassurance settling in. “So we still made it there… just in a different way.”

She set down her cup. “Did you ever start your personal brand?”

I laughed. “Yeah, Alhamdullilah. And we published a book too.”

She tilted her head. “And? Does it feel as impossible as I thought?”

I shook my head. “Not at all. It’s hard, but it’s right.”

She checked the time, stood up, and downed the rest of her chai. “You’d better get on with it then.”

I watched her walk away, still questioning, still figuring things out. But this time, I knew she’d find the answers.

Maybe we’ll meet again when I’ve helped a hundred more women do the same.

Prompt of the day:

💬 What would you tell your younger self if you met her today?