Motherly Advice: Don’t Look Back

#JustKeepSwimming. #NeverLookBack. #Life

~Motherly Law on Twitter

This past week I had a conversation that has stuck with me all week; just lingering in my mind. This conversation was on Twitter with @burbsmama (Emily B.). I had noticed that she tweeted that her 35^th birthday is in a few weeks. I replied to her that my 37^th birthday is also in a few weeks and wished her a happy birthday. Emily replied with this question,

"So how does 37 compare to 27?? I'm having a hard time answering the 25 vs. 35 question. SO different...but, in a good way?!"

I thought about her question and realized I had no recollection what my life was like when I was 27, and I replied to her,

"Shoot ! I don't even remember 27! I didn't have kids/dogs; I'd been out of law school for 1 yr; I must have slept a lot more! : )"

"Yes, it's good I think, but also a lot harder! I try not to look back, in general. I find it's easier to keep forging ahead."

Emily tweeted back that this was great advice. And I said, "Well, I don't know if it is or not, but that's how I do it! : ) #JustKeepSwimming #NeverLookBack #Life

 

And Emily's reply, "My new motto! #JustKeepSwimming #NeverLookBack #Life

 

(FYI: In the land of Twitter the # indicates a subject or title or idea, etc)

 

Now I don't know Emily and she doesn't know me besides the fact that I follow her and she may or may not follow me on Twitter, but this little exchange with Emily this week got me thinking about life and the business of living life.

 

At one point, Emily said something about sometimes having a bad memory comes in handy. But the funny thing is I have an excellent memory. I don't recall in years or dates though. I just don't associate memories with time. And I'm adept at blocking out or purging information I don't need or don't want to remember.

 

Where I was in life or what my life looked like at a certain point in time is not important to me. If I spent time thinking back to other, less complicated times in my life, then I might feel regret about making certain choices. And I don't regret. I learn. I change. I adapt. I keep going, but I don't regret.

 

Life is hard enough and complicated enough without adding regret to the mix. I don't need to bring myself down dwelling on the past and how I shoulda, coulda or woulda done something or not done something.

 

Right or wrong, I accept each experience for what it is. Some experiences I keep and file away in my mind for a later date and others I banish from my brain and they're gone.

 

Then, I march on. This forward march is what gets me out of bed each morning; it's what motivates me to write every day; it's what puts a smile on my face.

 

If I keep going eventually I'll get there? Where is there, you ask? I have no idea, but I'll know it when I arrive. Over and out...

 

Anna

Comments

[Galit Breen]

Love this. So wise, must remember. And happy birthday week!

[TLM]

I also love this and very much relate to the sink or swim, keep moving forward (and hope it IS forward) mentality! :)

[Heidi]

I bet this post has a lot of people thinking. It got me thinking. My next birthday I will be 40, and maybe that is why. I remember 30 very well (I believe I was having lunch with you? ;) But I was also trying to have babies, in a total life groove. But, I wouldn't trade it for a day. I'm so much happier, stable and centered at almost 40 than I was at almost 30. Even though I'm "starting over" because of a move to a new state, I still feel more at peace with this age than 10 years ago.