We are constantly invited to be what we are.”―
I truly believe that we don’t change all that much over the course of our lifetime. Instead, I think that we become our truer selves. As we evolve, we reveal just that much more of our essence; we don’t move closer to something outside, but rather we emerge more fully, until, perhaps, we are complete and whole and transparent.
Some days it is terrifying to acknowledge that the twelve year old me is not all that different from the forty-eight year old me. For the most part, I have moved past the memories that make me grimace, stepping more often into moments that elicit a small smile. Occasionally, I’ll pick up the wrong coat and slip comfortably into old habits and engage in long-ago conversations, but the coat just doesn’t fit so easily anymore. And it definitely doesn’t match my shoes.
amyilene 
How very true this is. I love the idea that Instead, ‘I think that we become our truer selves’. I agree! I think we become less concerned about others and more focused on who we really are. Well said!
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I agree. Fundamentally who we are is who we are. I do believe that the “SHOULDS” of the culture around us try to force us to change. I strayed for a while but came back to who I really am and am much happier for it.
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That was quite deep. I had to read it twice especially the part that says ‘I have moved past the memories that make me grimace.’ Of course life is too short and the older one gets, the more thoughtful one becomes. Thanks for sharing.
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It is okay to acknowledge your twelve-year-old self. In fact, I embrace it. It really helps when you work with middle school kids.:) Thank you for sharing. Happy writing!
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This is a very deep post for a Sunday afternoon! I like the idea of evolving into our truer selves. And I am sure the coat doesn’t fit anymore! Thank you for sharing your deep reflection today.
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Nice reflection this morning – love this line “Occasionally, I’ll pick up the wrong coat and slip comfortably into old habits and engage in long-ago conversations, but the coat just doesn’t fit so easily anymore”
Thanks for giving me something to thing about today!
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I love the ending: “Occasionally, I’ll pick up the wrong coat and slip comfortably into old habits and engage in long-ago conversations.” ..and then love how you twist it to end, “And it definitely doesn’t match my shoes.” I love how your writing shifts between the literal and metaphorical.
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Fabulous final line! I also really like this idea that as we get older, we are simply growing closer to our truer selves.
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