Used to…

 

Can you think of something that you “used to…” do, or like, or listen to? You know what I mean. When you were a kid, you frequently “used to…” eat pixie-sticks. Or when you were in high school, you “used to…” always wear converse sneakers. Or in college, when you got depressed or upset or frustrated, you “used to…” listen to a particular band or eat a particular ice cream. But you don’t now.

What changed?

Oh sure, one can say simply that you grew up. After all, change doth occur. Times change. The world about us changes. Technology changes. But are you aware of how much you have changed? Maybe you are, maybe you’re not.

Try a little experiment. Give some thought to something that you “used to…” do. Something that you really loved doing. Maybe it was some sort of dorky comfort-food. Maybe it was some song. Indulge yourself. When nobody’s looking, treat yourself to a glimpse of your own past. Crack open that favorite old Ben n’ Jerry’s flavor. Or pull out that old high school jacket. Or listen to that old tune. Maybe you’ll discover that you no longer fit into the jacket, or that you no longer like the flavor, or that you think that 80’s tune just sounds dated and dorky. Or… maybe you’ll be treated to some really fun memories. Heck, even if it takes you back to a time when you were full of self-doubt or anxiety, you can take solace in the fact that today you have moved on.

Sometimes, we just really don’t understand or appreciate where we are until we give ourselves a refresher in where we’ve been. So before you get too “used to” where you are today, remind yourself of what you “used to” be like.