What we need now for our life journey isn't what we needed then
We have changed and this is why that is perfect for us.
From 40 years of life, I know I will change. Every part of my inner dialogue through to every part of my physical being will continue to change.
The beliefs I hold today will not remain the same in the future. Even in a week, I will have learnt things and had new exposures that will be redesigning who I am.
Things I thought were right I have learnt were wrong. Things I did messily or far from efficiently I do better now. As I wouldn’t hold it against my young children for not yet knowing how to get themselves fully dressed I know I am getting better along the way, there is nothing healthy in blame or criticism for others or my younger self. I am learning and doing better and that is what is important.
I am who I am today only by standing on the shoulders of my younger self. I can see whilst young and naive, that was the path to today, to doing better. Every part of my past holds significance, even the actions I regret.
It's natural to feel the inclination to be embarrassed by, or distance oneself from past beliefs, actions, or work. When reflecting on the past, there were instances when I lacked knowledge and simply did my best. However, I've reached a point where I can forgive myself for the mistakes I've made, both in relation to myself and others.
Every part of my past was necessary in shaping the person I am today. If I cannot find love for every version of myself who earnestly tried their best with the resources available at that time, how can I find love for the person I have become? How can I grant myself compassion in the present if I cannot extend the same understanding to my younger self?
My personal aspiration is to be brave enough to continue, in acceptance of the mistakes that are part of the journey.
I hope to hold that acceptance and love so warmly others can embrace their past and even the misstep they may make today, to know it is part of our journey.
We will listen.
We will learn.
We will stumble.
We will love so we can get up and walk on again.
Oh, we will love.