I just returned from my high school class reunion. I graduated a very long time ago in what seems like another lifetime, and I found it interesting how being back in my home town and hanging out with my old friends brought up feelings I thought were long gone. So today I’m reflecting on then and now.

When I was in high school I was quiet, shy, insecure and basically unnoticed. Although I had a couple of good friends, I was one of the invisible majority who did our four years and moved on.

In the years since then I’ve lived several different lives, and those experiences have helped me grow into a much more outgoing, confident woman. The frightened teenage girl disappeared a long time ago.

Which is why I was surprised to notice as I walked into the reunion that the “old me” began to surface. Being in a familiar town with former classmates brought out a part of me I thought was long gone, and it was pretty uncomfortable for a few minutes.

However, I soon realized that the teen-age girl I used to be would always be part of who I am. Who I was and all I experienced so many years ago are important because they are the foundation on which I’ve built the person I am now.

I reminded myself that the past only exists to the degree I re-create it in the present. That means I always have the power to be who I used to be, who I am now, or who I want to be in the future. It’s my choice, every day and in every situation.

So, at this reunion, I chose to appreciate the girl I was and thank her for all she taught me. Then be who I am, and have fun at the party. It was a good reminder that “that was then, this is now”, and how I want them to intersect is up to me.

How about you?

Sandy Abell

Sandy is a life and business coach, author, speaker, and Licensed Counselor. She specializes in working with professionals, entrepreneurs and people dealing with life transitions, and is the author of the Amazon bestseller Feeling Good About You and Moving Up To Management for New Supervisors (both available on Amazon.com). Please visit Sandy on her website at www.insidejobscoach.com

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