The self reflecting mirrors of life

Since my dad died I have noticed myself reflecting back on various times of my life in a way that I have not done before. These memories serve various purposes so does my reflection into them one being the important function of comfort. It is interesting just how much comfort they bring actually—peacefulness comes over me as I look back.

My memories are such a gift—don’t think I’ve appreciated this before now.

Several weeks ago I had the opportunity over coffee with a friend to recall some fond memories of my past. That conversation took me to re-read a book that I read when I was 16 or 17: The Undiscovered Self by Carl Jung.

I had underlined lots in that book as a teen and I was pleased to see those same passages to be of importance yet at this age. That book has influenced me a great deal more than I’d ever realized.

Our life is definitely a sum of all that has come before us.

When I was in my 20’s I recall a conversation I had with a middle age family friend who was struggling with something that had happened to him. I remember saying clearly at such a young age that all I was on that day was based upon all that had happened to me before that day. I also recall having said that I wouldn’t be who I am and know what I know without having had all those experiences as well.

Such a wise young woman I was to know that with such little life experience under my belt at that time too!

There have been other crystal clear moments of knowing this fact along my life’s path too. Many of those times have been when I was facing a difficult passage in my life’s journey.

It seems at those times there is a wise voice inside that I know is helping to guide me. I am learning to pay up better attention to this wise voice as I get older too.

During that conversation over coffee with my friend I recalled thoughts of ice skating and my dreams of being Peggy Fleming the second—made me smile. I was inspired to pick up my Jung book still treasured and on my book shelf and poked my nose into it once again.

And, as I read it I realize yet again that my past has in deed shaped me to be all who I am in this very moment! Ain’t life grand!

What experiences and books have been influential to you along your life’s journey?