Have you ever found yourself randomly reminiscing about your past—maybe a funny moment from your teens, a cringe-worthy experience from your twenties, or a lesson learned the hard way in your thirties? If you’re like me, these memories can make you laugh out loud or shake your head in disbelief. Yet, no matter the emotion they stir, they all share one thing in common: they are experiences that have shaped you, taught you something, and no longer hold the same power over you as they once did.
This week, Shilz and Djen took us on a journey down memory lane, reflecting on what they wish they knew then. We often believe that a single event or phase will define us forever, but with time, we realise that’s not true. Age has a beautiful way of stripping away the stigmas attached to our experiences, allowing us to find peace in the understanding that this too shall pass.
Ever noticed how elders remain calm in situations that might send a younger person into a frenzy? The answer is simple: life has taught them what they know now, while the younger generation is still in the process of learning. Wisdom isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you gain through lived experience.
This perspective is liberating. It means we don’t have to have everything figured out right now. It means the challenges we face today will one day be lessons we look back on with gratitude. It means that every stage of life is an opportunity to grow into the person we are becoming.
The truth is, none of us have lived this exact life before. The age you are right now? It’s the first time you’ve been this age. The experiences you’re going through? It’s the first time you’re facing them. You don’t know what you don’t know. And that’s okay.
5 Simple Ways to Manage Your Mental Health Around Past Experiences
Reframe the Narrative: Shift your perspective—focus on what you learned rather than what went wrong. Every experience, good or bad, contributes to your growth.
Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. You did the best you could with what you knew then. Treat yourself with the same understanding you’d give a friend.
Journal Your Thoughts: Writing helps process emotions and gain clarity. Journaling can turn unresolved feelings into insights and promote healing.
Seek Support: If past experiences still weigh on you, therapy or counseling can help you work through emotions and build healthy coping strategies.
Stay Present: Focus on the now. Mindfulness, deep breathing, and gratitude can help you let go of what no longer serves you and embrace growth.
So, instead of being hard on yourself for not knowing something sooner, embrace the journey. Reflect on how far you’ve come. Trust that every experience—good or bad—is shaping you into the person you are meant to be.
So the next time you catch yourself laughing (or cringing) at an old memory, take a moment to appreciate it. It’s proof that you’ve lived, learned, and grown. And the best part? You’re still becoming. Tune in to this week’s CML episode for a ‘fun’ educational and reflective discussion on Life!
Liked what you’ve read? Leave us a like ❤ and comment ☕🫶🏾📖
Comments