My New Self
We've all heard this phrase before. Someone has been sick and a friend kindly says, "You'll be back to your old self in no time." Maybe you've been depressed or under the weather and you say to your spouse, "I can't wait to get back to my old self."
A very wise young man said to me recently that getting back to one's old self shouldn't be the goal. He pointed out that we are constantly changing and evolving. When we go through illness or dark days, we are permanently changed by the experience. Our idealized old self no longer exists. We have shed some skin and emerged with new perspectives and some deeper thoughts about life.
Our new self just might be better, more open, healthier and more accepting. Don't long for that person you once were, embrace the one you are now.
My old self disappeared,
POOF! - just like magic,
I wasn't trying -
it just happened,
as things
sometimes do.
I looked high and low,
and then one day
I looked
in the mirror
and saw myself,
my
new self,
different but good,
bruised but whole;
wholly changed
by a bump in the road,
"Hello," I said.
"Nice to meet you."
"You seem different than before,
but I like what I see,
I like who you are,
and
I like where we're headed
together."
POOF! - just like magic,
the new me
turned and walked
away,
changed by life
but
not looking back.
.
I read this at just the right time, pondering this same thought.
ReplyDeleteSometimes thoughts have a way of crossing paths out there in the ether. Love, Rita
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the very best ways I've ever heard this process described. Your poetry opens it up. Love, Judy
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy. It is indeed a process. Love, Rita
ReplyDeleteLove this :). We just watched a very good documentary on the Buddha you might like. I think it was just called Siddartha (sp?) and was made in connection with a museum exhibit or something.
ReplyDeleteHi Shannon, The documentary sounds wonderful. I'll see if I can find it at the library. I'm glad you liked the post. Love, Rita
ReplyDeleteThis came at a good time for me, too, altho I'm still trying to figure out who that person in the mirror is. Too many big changes too fast the past 3 years. It used to upset me not to quite know who I am. Now I'm pretty much ok with it and feeling like I'm settling a little bit into this new person, who is ok.... Whoever she is. :-)
ReplyDeleteI feel privileged to have watched your becoming new in some ways. You've been so wonderful about sharing yourself. I liked the old person, but I like new person even more!
Thank you, Libby. This evolving can be a challenge, but coming out on the other side can feel pretty good. Your journey has been long and difficult but your inner strength and beauty still shine brightly. I admire the person you are now and always.
ReplyDelete