On the many versions of ourselves

“Anyone who isn’t embarrassed of who they were last year probably isn’t learning enough. We evolve because life demands it of us. Accepting this is part of the human contract to look back kindly on earlier versions of ourselves, while gently resolving to keep going, to be better, to grow braver, and to love deeper. This is how we become who we were meant to be.”

– Alain de Botton, from The Course of Love

Every version of ourselves has served a purpose. Last year’s “you” made choices with the tools and knowledge they had at the time. They may have fumbled or hesitated, but they tried. And it’s those tries, those moments of courage or missteps, that paved the way for where you stand today.

I’ve been trying to dig up my first portfolio website to walk the walk and share my cringe-worthy first steps that got me where I am today… As soon as I find it, I promise I’ll take a deep breath and share it with you!

But now as we stand on the cusp of a new year, this reflection of where we’ve been becomes an invitation. An invitation to not only look back with grace but to look forward with intention. To resolve to keep going—not in pursuit of perfection, but in pursuit of authenticity. To dare to be better, to risk loving deeper, and to trust that who we’re becoming is worth every stumble along the way.

I’m doing my best to honor where I’ve been, embrace where I am, and plan for the future I’m creating for myself every day. I hope you can do the same. Isn’t that exactly what life – and business – is asking of us? 🫶🏻