The Past: It's ok to Look Back

A few writing accomplishments from my high school days (circa 2000s)

Alot of people say don't dwell on the past or just keep looking forward.         

I say sometimes it is necessary to look at the past. Sometimes it gives us a chance to see how far we have come, or reconnect with a part of ourselves we some how forgotten in the chaos of adulthood. I might add right here, being an adult is overrated. I want to always be connected with the younger version of myself. She knew more than I gave her credit for.

Recently, I started going through boxes to declutter and organize a bit. I had gathered the last of my childhood boxes from my parents' place. I don't know about you, but sometimes when I am struggling in weird transitions in life, looking back at what I wrote, or created in my younger days rekindles my creative side. It gives me renewed hoped. It's like the whispers of the past saying "We never left. We were just waiting for you to say hey again."

Unpacking Boxes, Unpacking Lessons

One box I went through had mostly writing from my college days. There were a few snippets of poetry, and a laid out journey of my entrance to the Energy United Cooperative Leadership Camp at White Lake, N.C, the summer before Senior year in High School. Go Golden Eagles!

I started to open documents, and read each one. It reminded me how much I enjoyed writing, how much I was encouraged to do so, and how I was pushed to challenge my thinking. For example, my high school guidance counselor sought me out to share about the Energy United Youth Contest. I was always encouraged to talk to guidance counselors, so through each school I moved to, I made sure to establish a relationship with them. What this really meant, was they were SUPPOSE to sit and hear me babble on about my day. It was nice to be listened to. Lol. So for all you parents and students out there, make sure to establish a positive rapport with your school's guidance counselor. They can connect you to several resources and opportunities.

I digress. My guidance counselor presented this opportunity, and then I got to work on the required essay. From there, I was selected as a finalist to be interviewed by a panel of judges. My high school English Language Arts teacher (or at least I think, judging by the hand writing) created cue cards to help me prepare for the interview. I don't remember any of this, but I imagine I had a meeting with this teacher to talk about the event and prepare. It's funny how we forget so easily, but it's rewarding when we have the artifacts to help us reconnect to the past.

Support and Tools for Success

I don't even remember the actual event, what I wore or what I said. I am sure I was nervous, but seeing the cue cards reminds me of the support system I had. People believed in me, and gave me the tools to succeed. I feel like we get that more when we are younger. How easy it is for us to forget to provide that for adults too. All ages need encouragement and tools to succeed. I am not saying I never got that in adulthood, but this way of thinking seems to be on fire for the youth. So many adults walking around here with deflated self worth and a sense of hopelessness. I myself have felt that way some, but looking back at past accomplishments somehow rekindles the intellect and writing aptitude I thought I lost. It's like, "Man I could write!"

Take Time to Remember

I guess I will touch on the college course later (There was a lot I gleaned from looking back at this class too.), but for now I leave you with these thoughts. Don't forget to remember what you have achieved so far. This could be the people you impacted positively, lives you changed, a course that changed your way of thinking or how people supported you through good times or bad. Sometimes we feel like we are alone and that no one cares. It takes just a few minutes to reflect, and remember what we may be accidentally choosing to forget. By the way, I did not win the contest...at first. I was a runner up. One of the winners had conflicting schedules. They backed out last minute, so I took their spot. From there, I was nominated to go to the National level camp. So I guess what I am saying is, no story is ever permanent or completely finished. You still have chapters to write. If you're still breathing...YOU...ARE...NOT...DONE! You really never know what is around the bend, but you can take the time to thank your younger self for getting you there. I can't wait to see the rest of your story.

***and other things I tell myself***

Tara Peterson