Used to Be

I think so often we get caught looking backwards:

" . . . I used to be / look like / love like / feel like X, Y, and Z . . . "

While reminiscing is good,

as it shows appreciation for what has been,

it is also deadly.

Every day we have the opportunity to improve ourselves

physically, emotionally, and mentally.

(1)

Rather than being wrapped up on how skinny you "used to be", put "on this day" down and your sports bra on and get moving!

(2)

Instead of dragging your feet in the mud of your past, sulking on sadness and mistreatment, focus yourself on becoming emotionally sound and work to be the sole director of your thoughts and feelings.

(3)

Strive to know more, because in knowing more you have the ability to do more. With mental growth comes full spectrum competency and previously unknown autonomy.

Our pasts' provide us with a blueprint:

They identify where we have been and in doing so, build the foundation by which we stand on now. With that, do not discount your past, do not look so far ahead that you have forgotten who you are and what you have endured. But, DO strive to get better.

Take risks.

Get that Invisalign. Dye your hair. Buy that leather jacket.

Be vulnerable.

Go on that date with that guy who lives in Boston all the while knowing that if it works out it will be incredibly difficult.

And do more.

Vacation more, read more, love more.

When you expect more of yourself than you did yesterday

you're no longer comparing to your past self,

but rather you become focused on enhancing on what has been to create an ever changing and constantly growing mature self.