Always Remember Your Past but Don't Try Going Back There

Written by Lady T

The older you get, the more you may find yourself reminiscing about your past. You may stumble across pictures of you taken when you were years and decades younger, or you may hear a song that takes you back to a special place and time. As you've gotten older you may have gained a significant amount of weight, your hair may be greying and getting thinner, and your face may bear wrinkles of the struggles you've been through. You may wish you still looked the way you did in your past, and wish you had the stamina to keep up with the physical activities you used to do.

Here's the hard truth: the past is gone and you can't get it back. Would you really want to anyway if doing so were possible? Think about the person you are now, all your achievements, the lessons you've learned and the wisdom you've acquired that you can share with others. Since your teens, you've probably upgraded your job, home, car, wardrobe, education and pretty much every aspect of yourself. That's something to be proud of. Why would you want to erase your history?

You are exactly where you're supposed to be right now in your life's journey. There's no guarantee that your road ahead will be easy, but you have to do the best you can. No matter your age, you will always continue learning and experiencing unexpected challenges and dilemmas that may test your faith in God, the universe or any higher power in which you believe.

You need to learn to adapt to new people and new environments. The world around you is constantly changing and you need to change with it. There have been incredible advances in technology and if you don't keep up, you'll get left behind. Don't stay stuck in a time before computers, microwaves, automated teller machines and social media platforms existed. Let go of outdated traditions of your parents and grandparents. Reinvent yourself each day with whatever's trending.

You are beautifully made. Always be yourself and don't try competing with anyone, not even with your younger self. If your hair has gotten sparse and you don't feel comfortable going out in public, experiment with wigs and hairpieces. If you've gained or lost a significant amount of weight, look at fashion magazines and videos for tips on how to dress to flatter your figure appropriate for your age. Also consider joining a gym or working out at home with videos, or just going for walks regularly.

Focus on doing things you've always wanted to do and never did because you couldn't spare the time, energy or finances, perhaps because you've been paying off a hefty mortgage or college tuition for the past decades. Pour as much money as possible into paying off your debt completely, or refinancing and consolidating debt if necessary. Always be mindful of saving money for your future and making wise investments, such as participating in a 401k plan if your job offers it; and they may match some of your contributions.

Always live in the present and plan for your future. There are still so many amazing things for you to see and do. No matter how good times were in your past, the past is gone. Hold onto the memories and enjoy the current chapter of your life.