The Person You Could Have Become
1479
wp-singular,post-template-default,single,single-post,postid-1479,single-format-standard,wp-theme-bridge,bridge-core-3.0.8,qi-blocks-1.4.9,qodef-gutenberg--no-touch,qodef-qi--no-touch,qi-addons-for-elementor-1.9.6,qode-page-transition-enabled,ajax_fade,page_not_loaded,,qode-theme-ver-29.5,qode-theme-bridge,qode_header_in_grid,wpb-js-composer js-comp-ver-6.10.0,vc_responsive,elementor-default,elementor-kit-1582
 

The Person You Could Have Become

28 Dec The Person You Could Have Become

Posted at 19:01h in Uncategorized by

“Imagine that it’s the last day you have on earth,” the quote began. “The person you became meets the person you could have become…”


I was curled on the couch reading from an inspirational quote book I found on my in-laws’ coffee table. I understood the motivational message the anonymous author of the quote intended — looking back at what you could have become had you not gotten in your own way — the disappointing realization that we might fail to live up to our potential, too late to become a more accomplished or kinder version of ourselves. The image on the page illustrated this idea with a professional looking man looking with regret toward a different version of himself, crouched down to help someone in need. 


That can be a helpful perspective; yet if we are only focused on ways we are falling short, we might miss noticing the good in who we’ve worked hard to become today. So what if we changed the quote to this:

“Imagine that the person you are today meets the person you could have become… but you fought against.”


As we approach the end of another year, it’s helpful to reflect on the long and winding road stretched out behind us; the many curves, forks, dark spots and mountains that complicated our way. Each spot marks places we kept going, even when it was hard and another path looked easier. In some spots we look back to a darkness that seemed to stretch on, yet we trusted that if we kept going there would be light once again. We see the steps up the jagged mountains that stood in our way; obstacles that had seemed insurmountable, that we survived by taking one step at a time. We see the spots where we used our inner strength to say no or return to our values or refocus on things that matter. And in other places we see the presence of supportive others; the times we were strong enough to ask for help.


I hope, in these last few days of the year, that you find some time to pause and look back to all that you’ve faced, resisted and survived. 


And as you look in the mirror and see the person you have become today, I hope that you smile as you see just how very far you’ve come.