Have you ever come across the phrase "Old me vs. New me"? I recently spotted a post on social media featuring that phrase, and it struck a chord with me. It made me reflect on my old self and the journey I’ve been on since then. It’s fascinating how much we can learn from our past selves and how those reflections can inspire our present and future.
As I thought about this phrase, I couldn’t help but reflect on a moment in my life that captures this journey of transformation. Back in 2018, I found myself in a situation that really challenged my self-perception and beliefs. It was during this time that I began to realize the difference between who I was and who I wanted to become.
Let me take you back to that moment…
Here I am, the version of myself I call "Old Me."
What my husband thought was just another picture of me skiing actually captured me in a defining moment. He wasn’t aware that he had frozen a moment filled with uncertainty—me, staring down a trail called Blue Heaven while grappling with fear, doubt, and extreme angst. For that minute or two, I stood there contemplating why I ever decided to strap on a pair of skis in the first place. I was convincing myself that I could never truly enjoy this sport, all while plotting my escape from it, in complete belief that I just couldn’t do it. I had locked myself into an identity that I had accepted as all I could be. There's a saying "The way you do one thing is the way you do everything". Well, folks, this is the way I did life even off the mountain, constantly fearing something with extreme apprehension and doubt. I couldn't stand it any longer. I just did not know how to break through the belief that this was all I could achieve which was a belief that was engrained in me most of my life.
What began to happen was that the more I told myself this, the more I started to accept this version of myself, and it had trapped me in a narrow perception of "I am who I am". However, I was also in conflict because I wanted to grow. I was curious about what I was truly capable of, all while my gut was nudging me, reminding me that I could do more. This struggle continued season after season. I vividly remember watching people ski down black diamond runs, labeling them as 'brave,' and convincing myself that I didn't need to excel to their level and that it was okay. But deep down, I knew it wasn't. My new self was eager to emerge, yet I kept making excuses to remain where I was.
Fast forward six years or so and meet the new me.............................
Did I grow through practice? Of course. Did I learn valuable lessons along the way? Absolutely. Did this journey inspire the new me? Without a doubt. It continues to with every challenge, hurdle, and opportunity for growth that I encounter everyday. I could talk trash about my old self, shut it out or chalk it up to failure but instead I choose to use it as inspiration.
As we navigate life, change is an inevitable part of our journey. We age, evolve, and adapt to new circumstances, and we may also experience shifts in our values along the way. However, it’s important to recognize when our old selves linger in our thoughts and behaviors. Instead of trying to shut that part of ourselves out, we can learn to harness it for inspiration.
By acknowledging our past experiences, we unveil our new selves, using the lessons we've learned to fuel our transformation. Each struggle, each mistake, and each moment of doubt can serve as a stepping stone toward a deeper understanding of who we are meant to be. Embracing our old selves allows us to reflect on how far we've come. It helps us appreciate the journey and the resilience we've developed. In this way, our past becomes part of our narrative, not just a chapter we wish to forget. It reminds us to stay humble, grounded, and connected to our evolving selves.
This experience was not only a testament to my growth on the mountain but also illustrates how it has impacted my everyday life. Whenever I find myself caught in a belief that limits me or cycle of doubt, I reflect on this skiing moment and others from my past. For example, when faced with a new task or venture, I remind myself of those moments on the slopes. Just like skiing down a difficult run, each challenge is an opportunity to push through fear and embrace growth.
Ultimately, my journey from "Old Me" to "New Me" shows that while change is daunting, it is also a powerful catalyst for personal development.
I invite you to take a moment to reflect on your own journey and answer the questions below. Explore how you past experiences shape your new self you are continually becoming!
What are the three biggest challenges I faced in my past, and how did they shape the person I am today?
In what ways have my values and priorities changed since my old self? What prompted these shifts?
What qualities or strengths from my old self do I cherish and want to carry forward into my new self?
What aspects of my old self still resonate with me, and how can they inspire or guide my actions as I continue to evolve?
In what ways can the lessons learned from my past self serve as a source of strength as I work toward my goals and aspirations in the present?
If you are interested in exploring new dimensions of yourself and delving deeper into your inner being, stay tuned for our upcoming retreat announcement. It will feature a workshop focused on self-discovery and releasing limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from experiencing your true self and accessing the fullness of your inner potential.
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