from then to now

You know, it's funny how people from your past can sometimes paint a picture of you that's so outdated, it's practically a relic. It's like they're stuck in a time warp, holding onto memories that no longer reflect who you are today. So, if you ever happen to hear someone talking about me, just remember that they're describing a version of me they haven't bothered to get to know.

Sure, I've changed. We all do. Life molds us, shapes us into different beings with each passing experience. I'm not the same person I was back then, back when those individuals shared a piece of my story. They might recall the old quirks, the youthful dreams, and the insecurities that plagued me at the time. But they can't possibly grasp the growth I've undergone, the layers I've shed, and the wisdom I've acquired along the way.

It's like catching a glimpse of an old photograph and assuming that the frozen moment captures the entirety of who I am. But there's so much more to me than those faded snapshots. I've ventured through uncharted territories, tasted both triumph and defeat, and discovered a depth of resilience I never knew I possessed.

So, when they talk about me, listen with a grain of salt. Let their words pass through the filter of time and distance. Understand that they may cling to outdated narratives because change is uncomfortable, and embracing the unfamiliar is daunting. They may hold onto the past because it's familiar and safe.