Then I was really shy, especially in crowds
Now, I am comfortable talking to just about anyone and rarely feel like the shy wallflower girl anymore. I still feel a little shy at times, but it doesn’t paralyze me.
Then, I felt invisible in many ways
Now, I am confident wearing short black dresses, striped tights and black bitch boots. I am confident wearing flitty skirts, bright blue tights, or fun tops. I don’t feel invisible anymore.
Then, I never identified myself as a writer, even though I wrote professionally.
Now, I like telling people I am a writer and a photographer.
Then, I acted like I didn’t care what people thought
Now, I really don’t care. I am going to do what makes me happy, when I feel like it, and if it makes other people feel odd or uncomfortable, well, that’s not my intent, but I’m not going to not do things for fear of someone’s disapproval.
Then, I was the kid picked last in gym class, the one no one wanted on their team.
Now, I love running. I have biked a century. I have started training for a half-marathon and a marathon at different times, and even though I got injured both times, that doesn’t mean I am giving up on realizing those goals at some point.
Then, I never felt sexy or attractive.
Now, I feel differently, and I know a large part of that is related to confidence.
Then, I kept my light from shining
Now, I want to let my light shine brighter and brighter.
Then, I was pretty klutzy.
Now, I know that inanimate objects such as walls and doors and tables actually come to life to jump in my path. Knives hurl themselves at my feet. Glass walls outside of news studios just magically spring up just as I am walking by, so I walk dead on into the wall, only to see the news anchors — who are filming, live, inside — try to not crack up on the air. It is clearly the inanimate objects trying to thwart me. It can’t possibly be me 🙂
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what a glittery gorgeous post. Love it. Love your light-keep letting it shine.
Beautiful post. Glad that you are in the now.
People are always saying that they wish they were young again but there is no way i’d go back to that! And I sure you feel the same way! Good writing!
Amen, you could have been writing about me. Great post.
Enjoyed your post. I guess we are never the same person…when I look back at the then me, she sure isn’t the same as the now me. Grin.
WOW … fabulous post, Thank YOU ;~)
Gorgeous and positive – my then and now are reversed – I think I was happier THEN instead of now, but I really want to change that and I find your post inspiring! Joy, joy, joy. 🙂
What a metamorphosis you’ve undergone! It’s exciting to look back and see the ways we improve as time passes.
Happy New Year!
Being in the “now” is so much sweeter than being in the “then”…but if we didn’t have a “then” we’d never fully appreciate what we have in the now as you have so beautifully shown.
Happy New Year to you!
That last paragraph was the best! An injection of humor instead of only the bittersweet. I loved it. My how we change with time.
What a way to welcome a new year.. having just acknowledged all that!
Beautiful!
i LOVED this … loved loved loved : )
so enjoyed this musing. especially the last “now”, as we seem to share that in common…