“I know I have some great things ahead of me right now….”

Carrie Underwood; Photos Courtesy Instagram

Carrie Underwood took fans on a trip down memory lane on Wednesday, sharing a video on Instagram where she read a journal entry from her 21-year-old self during her time competing on American Idol.

“Let’s take a look at my journal From when I was on American Idol,” she begins.

Flipping the page and clearing her throat, Underwood reads aloud the words she penned during her time on the show, trying to reassure herself that the highs and lows of being on national television would all be worth it in the end.

“I just have to keep in mind that it will all be worth it, and the life I’ve started will be great. Most importantly, I have to remember that this has all been my choice and it’s something I’ve wanted ever since I was a little girl,” she reads.

It’s hard not to get chills as she reflects on her journey, considering all the incredible milestones she’s achieved since winning American Idol in 2005—from selling over 85 million records worldwide to recording an impressive 28 No. 1 singles.

Carrie Underwood; Photo via Instagram
Carrie Underwood; Photo via Instagram

“I know I have some great things ahead of me right now. I’m just trying to live in the moment and appreciate it all. I never dreamed that all of this would happen to me. I love it,” she adds.

In her caption, the eight-time GRAMMY winner admitted that looked back on her journal reminds her that “American Idol was and is always worth it.”

According to Underwood’s post this video is part of a new series where she will reflect on her own American Idol season while guiding the new contestants as a judge.

Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, And Ryan Seacrest; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless
Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, And Ryan Seacrest; Photo by Disney/Eric McCandless

Fans will get a sneak peek of the upcoming season of American Idol on Sunday, March 2, following the live telecast of The Oscars. Underwood will serve as a judge for the first time alongside Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.

The eighth season of American Idol on ABC—and the franchise’s 23rd season overall—kicks off with a two-hour premiere on Sunday, March 9 (8:00-10:01 p.m. EDT/PDT), with episodes available to stream the following day on Hulu.