Whether we think more about the past or the future depends on what’s happening in our lives at the time. Reconnecting with an old relative earlier this year made me nostalgic. Also, becoming very ill made me reflective because I realized how fragile life is.
Seeing an old friend or relative that you haven’t seen in years is a perfect example. Conversations can unlock years of shared history—inside jokes, old routines, moments you didn’t realize would become “the good old days.” You also become aware of lost time when you notice how much older you both look. You start thinking about how long it’s been, how life got busy, how easy it was to assume there would always be more chances. That reflection, of course, gets you thinking that you’d better be more proactive with staying in touch, or finding a chance to visit each other again. Because maybe next time there won’t be a next time.
Illness has a similar effect. Being sick forces you to slow down, and then you realize how much of your daily routine you miss. You can’t eat your favorite food. You missed the party you had been planning to attend for weeks. At the same time, it makes the future more precious. You start making mental notes to eat better, not to wait so long before you visit your friend, and not to postpone visiting your grandparents.
In moments like these, the past and future collide. The past reminds us of what mattered. The future becomes a space for second chances and better choices.
Ultimately, when we think about the past, we realize what we value; when we think about the future, we realize what’s important.
Vanya Wryter Consulting Services 