The last week of the year is perfect for a little self reflection and assessment as we head into yet another year of possibility – and uncertainty.

Right on time, 10 Q Things looks at how far you’ve come by way of our second round of readers’ tips for their former selves.

It was so popular last time, we gathered quotes for Round 2. Here’s what they said to their younger self:

You can love someone and not marry them.

– Joshua

Live out all the stages of life. Let yourself fall in love with boys. Have a boyfriend, fall madly in love with him. Time is valuable, and each stage is important.

—Matheus

You don’t have to force yourself to date men in order not to make your mother ashamed.

—Carlotta

You can play with a doll if you want. The doll is beautiful, just like you. And don’t listen to anyone who says that playing ball is a guy thing or that dolls, the color pink, skirts and makeup are right for some but wrong for you.

—Fernando

It won’t be easy. Many of us would rather feel the pain of loneliness than love ourselves just the way we are. And that’s not your fault.

—Aidan Michael

“Trans people exist. The feelings you spent years feeling without knowing what they were are normal, and you are not the first to feel them.

—Lori

It’s not a phase.

—Anonymous

Someone in the world will love you exactly the way you are. Actually, they will love you exactly because you are the way you are!

—Link

When you accept yourself, that unbearable weight you thought was normal will be lifted, and it will feel so good.

—Raffi

Be strong, because you will become an amazing person who will fight for your rights, who will have wonderful friends, and who will understand that being queer is just as natural as the wind that blows upon your face every day.

—Maia

This feature also appeared in Q ATLus magazine. Read the full issue online here: