Learning From My Past Self

By Eilene Lyon

After reading this recently featured post (from 2015), I was sure that I also need to write a message to my older self.  Learning from history is great – especially when it’s our own.  Sometimes we need to take stock of what all these years on Planet Earth has really taught us, and take credit for our ability to continually learn and grow.

My first addition to Lynn’s list would be to keep practicing mindfulness – being present in the moment.  That was brought home to me not long ago when I was walking the dogs.  We live in an incredibly beautiful place: southwest Colorado.  But sometimes when taking the same old daily walk, I forget to appreciate the view, because I’m thinking about writing projects, what to fix for dinner, the phone calls I keep forgetting to make, etc.

Or sometimes I just look at the ground, because it’s uneven and rocky.  Then, there are the times when I’m not present AND not looking where I’m walking.  The perfect moment for that rabbitbrush root to reach out and jerk me right to the ground.  As I’m rolling around, taking stock to make sure nothing is seriously hurt, I look up at my neighbor’s house and pray they didn’t see me!

Being present in the moment and not letting our minds wander to those really insignificant things (they have their time, but it isn’t NOW), has been shown to make people happier.  And happiness is something we can all use more of.

When the moment is right, I’ll get straight onto making that letter to my older self.  I’m sure I have a few wise things to say.