A Letter to My Younger Self - Maryben Omollo’s Journey of Growth, Grace, and Grit

Introduction

On August 28, 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya, Ambassador Maryben Omollo—renowned mental health and leadership coach, global speaker, and founder of the Maryben Foundation—penned a deeply personal letter to her younger self. In it, she offered wisdom, encouragement, and reflection drawn from years of experience, resilience, and transformation. Her words serve not only as a message to her past self but as a guiding light for anyone navigating the uncertainties of youth and the pursuit of purpose.

Believe in Yourself

Maryben begins her letter with a gentle but firm reminder: believe in your dreams. She acknowledges that the early twenties can be a confusing time, filled with self-doubt and uncertainty. But she urges her younger self to trust in her aspirations and embrace her uniqueness. It is this authenticity, she says, that will one day make her shine.

The Power of Mentorship

She emphasises the importance of choosing mentors wisely. A mentor, she explains, is more than a teacher—they are a guiding star, someone who challenges you to grow, shares their failures, and helps you avoid common pitfalls. These relationships, she notes, will become invaluable as you navigate your personal and professional journey.

Dream Without Limits

Maryben encourages her younger self to dream boldly. She reminds her that imagination is boundless and that no dream is too big if it aligns with one’s values and contributes to the greater good. She warns against allowing others to diminish those dreams and urges her to pursue them with courage and conviction.

Choose Your Circle Carefully

Friendship, she writes, is a powerful influence. Surround yourself with people who lift you higher—those who believe in your potential and celebrate your victories as their own. True friends, she says, will walk with you through every season of life, offering strength and joy along the way.

Your Journey Is Your Own

Maryben reminds her younger self that life unfolds differently for everyone. Comparing your journey to others only breeds frustration. “Everyone blooms in different seasons,” she writes. Patience and perseverance, she insists, will lead you to your moment of breakthrough.

Don’t Forget to Enjoy the Ride

While ambition is important, Maryben cautions against becoming consumed by goals. Life, she says, is also about laughter, adventure, and the small moments that bring joy. She encourages her younger self to create memories, cherish experiences, and find beauty in the everyday.

Faith as a Foundation

Faith, she writes, will be her anchor. In times of uncertainty, fear, or failure, prayer and belief in God will provide strength and clarity. Gratitude and trust, she says, will carry her through even the darkest storms.

Failure Is Not the End

Maryben speaks candidly about failure. Yes, she says, you will stumble. You will fall. But each failure is a lesson, a stepping stone toward growth. These setbacks will shape your character and sharpen your vision. What matters most is rising again, stronger and wiser.

Lessons to Learn

Maryben Omollo’s letter is filled with timeless lessons:

1. Self-belief is the foundation of success: Trusting in your own worth is the first step toward achieving your dreams.
2. Mentorship matters: The right guidance can illuminate your path and accelerate your growth.
3. Dreams are sacred: Protect them, pursue them, and never let anyone make you feel small for having them.
4. Your circle shapes your journey: Choose friends who reflect the values and vision you hold dear.
5. Comparison is a thief of joy: Your journey is uniquely yours—honour its pace and process.
6. Faith fuels resilience: In moments of doubt, lean into your spiritual foundation.
7. Failure is feedback: Every stumble is a lesson in disguise, preparing you for greater things.

Reflection

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s letter to her younger self is more than a personal reflection—it is a universal message of hope, growth, and empowerment. It speaks to the young woman unsure of her path, the dreamer afraid to take the first step, and the leader in the making who just needs a reminder that she is enough. Her words are a testament to the power of hindsight, the beauty of becoming, and the strength found in vulnerability. They remind us that every chapter—no matter how uncertain or painful—contributes to the masterpiece of who we are becoming. As Maryben reflects on her journey, she does so with grace, gratitude, and a deep sense of purpose. She has stumbled, risen, and grown into a woman she is proud of. And in sharing her story, she invites others to do the same.