Unlocking the Wisdom Within: A Conversation with Our Younger Selves

I sometimes like to sit in front of the mirror, gazing into my own eyes. I see the girl who has experienced moments of tears, laughter, desperation, and excitement.

If she could see me today, what would she say? Would she be proud of our accomplishments? Have I honored her through the heartaches? Have I gained wisdom that propels us forward?

This practice is a powerful tool in my toolbox. I have shed countless tears while being honest, gentle, compassionate, and caring toward that little girl who still resides within me.

I firmly believe that aging is not simply a matter of growing older; it is the accumulation of our life experiences. Within those layers, we find moments of joy, loved ones, failures, successes—everything.

However, I also believe that once we have undergone an experience, we have the choice of how we relate to it. We can view it as a learning opportunity or choose to forget it. But as you may already know, hiding the truth brings no benefits. Instead, we should learn to examine it without being overwhelmed by emotions, analyzing what we did right, wrong, or could have improved, based on factors within our control. Then, we move forward by selecting which parts—both negative and positive—are useful to carry with us.

I encourage you to try sitting alone in solitude, where no one can hear or disturb you, for an extended period. Position yourself in front of the mirror and observe the reflection of your eyes—the echoes of your younger selves. When you see them, greet them and let your imagination roam freely. Engage in conversation, and see what unfolds.

Take this opportunity to reconnect with your inner self, embrace your past, and forge a deeper understanding of who you are. Discover the power of introspection and self-dialogue. Start by saying hello to the versions of yourself reflected in your eyes, and let their voices guide you.