44 comparisons of my younger self and previous habits to what they are now in mid-life.
The old me vs the new me…
I was sent to school to be forced to read and write. Now I can’t wait to read and write in my free time.
When I got my first computer, I wanted to spend all day, every day working on it and playing games. Now I spend all day in front of a screen and can’t wait to escape from it.
I was a fast traveller, always trying to see all the sights and squeeze more in. Now, I travel slowly, immersing myself in a place and exploring all of its wonders in glorious detail.
I moved homes a lot when I was younger. More than most people do. Now I have put down roots and am more settled.
I used to believe what I was told by authoritative figures. Now I question everything and choose what I believe based on research and intuition.
I used to live for the hot summer sun. Now I embrace all seasons, soaking up their beauty and embracing the lessons they teach and foster in change.
I always felt like I needed to escape from my life. Now I have learnt to be content with it. Not in a set-and-forget kind of way. More of a slow improvement, things will happen in their time, kind of way.
I never paid attention to the birds chirping at my windowsill. Now I listen intently to the birdsong melodies composed by my feathered friends. I greet every magpie I walk past with a gurgle so that they remember I’m one of the good ones.
I was always rushing through life to get to the next best thing.
Now I adopt the pace of nature and understand that everything unfolds perfectly in its time.
I used to eat whatever tasted good, regardless of how bad it was for me. Now I eat what is good for my body and mind. I consciously choose food to nourish my body with the ‘let food be thy medicine’ mantra.
I used to beat myself up for making mistakes. Now I realise that mistakes are what got me here. They were always going to be part of my journey, just like the ones I am making now, are preparing for what’s next.
I sought approval from others. Now I gain my own approval.
Before, I followed the mainstream ideas of what’s cool. Now I abhor mainstream brainwashing and have my own idea of what cool really is.
Before, I tried to impress the wrong people by trying too hard. Now I strive for integrity, I only want to impress those close to me, including myself.
I used to be a mindless consumer. Now, I am thoughtful about every purchase I make. I prioritise quality over quantity, need over want.
Before, I wanted to be a rock star with an electric guitar. Now I am happy to strum my six-string around a campfire as my imperfect melody rises like an ode to the stars.
Before, I covetously wasted my time dreaming of a nice car. Now I have a nice car, but I don’t care about it too much. It’s a simple mode of transport, a vehicle for adventure, and it’s comfortable enough to make epic road trip memories without ruining my back.
I was a bad friend, unconsciously looking at what I could gain. Now I am a good friend, consciously looking for ways to give.
Before, I was timid and felt nervous talking to strangers. Now I am quietly confident and love talking to strangers. It’s amazing what an open face and a genuine smile can do to break down barriers.
Before, I allowed myself to be abused in silence. Now I am intolerant of abuse and speak out boldly.
Before, I binge-watched shows till after midnight. Now I value sleep and wield it like a superpower.
Before, I was brainwashed by a dogmatic, indoctrinated belief system. Now I am a free thinker and authentic believer.
Before, I was an all-or-nothing kind of guy. Now I am all about small compounding efforts to achieve results.
Before, I was into sci-fi. Now I’m into period pieces.
Before, I had unrealistic hoop dreams. Now I enjoy having a run on the court with my mates.
Before, I would wish for tomorrow to come. Now I embrace the present moment and try to live in slowness.
I used to accumulate things. Now I do regular cleanouts.
Before, I thought I wanted huskies. Now I know I love frenchies.
Before, I chased pleasure. Now I value intimacy.
Before, I wanted everything to be perfect. Now, good enough is enough for me.
Before, I quit when things got tough. Now, I push through the pain to learn what it has to teach.
Before, I wanted more. Now I am satisfied with less.
I used to think that people with fancy titles were important. Now I know that all people are important.
Before, I let life happen to me. Now I make life happen for me.
I used to be an all-you-can-eat buffet. Now I am a curated à la carte.
I used to drink Coca-Cola after dinner. Now I enjoy a cup of tea.
I used to turn the TV on every night. Now I only turn it on when I want to watch something I’m interested in.
I used to eat processed bread every day. Now I enjoy an occasional artisanal sourdough.
I was unknowingly prioritising stuff at the expense of others. Now I am consciously prioritising others at the expense of stuff.
Before, I would watch too much TV. Now I enjoy reading.
Before, I didn’t like being alone. Now I value solitude.
Before, I focused on mastering a skill. Now I focus on mastering myself.
I used to push myself to breaking point. Now I allow myself grace and give my body and mind time to recover.
I used to suffer from the fear of missing out. Now I embrace the joy of missing out.
Midlife has certainly been an introspective and contemplative time for me. In one way I lament not having my youthful body that didn’t ache for no reason, and in another way love the wisdom and discipline I have gained. Nothing is perfect. I have much to learn.
