Google sent me a ‘then and now‘ photo collage this morning. It read July 2015 on the side of the older photo and July 2025 on the current photo.
I spent about two minutes looking at it, checking the changes and then something else nudged at my mind…it’s not just the physical changes. In the eyes of the current version of me, I could see other changes; emotional, mental,spiritual, social…so many changes
10 years is a lot of time. A lot has happened for me and I’m sure everyone else too.
I was able to make a small list of these things…some good, some not so good.
Personal Growth & Identity
•I have become more self-aware. I understanding myself so well. I have no doubt about what I need, my limits or my passions.
•My priorities have shifted, especially around peace, purpose, and authenticity.
•I am more resilient; I’ve mastered disappointment and the ability to recover from it.
•I have continued to enjoy spending time alone, appreciating solitude and reflection.
Education & Learning…
•I’ve always been a lover of new knowledge. But I had vowed that I wouldn’t go back to school again after my B.Sc in Accounting… but as they say, ‘Never say Never’, right?
Well, I went ahead to get Postgraduate Diploma in Management and enrolled in an MBA program. I didn’t stop there. I got my certification as a professional Accountant.
Family Life
•I went from having my 2 year old to a 12-year-old boy. This right here is a huge change that came with emotional depth, joy, and many lessons.
•I went from 4 years of marriage to 14. I watched my marriage grow and also shift in several areas I didn’t imagine.
Career and Business
•I went back to the office… A 9 to 5. I never saw that one coming
•I also saw my bakery operate even without me being present. I didn’t actually plan for that but it worked out good.
Relationships
•Some friendships deepened and some faded away.Some friends went to the cold hands of death…and I miss them so much.
•My definition of love and loyalty has changed.
Mind & Emotions
•I faced fears, anxiety, heartbreak, and uncertainty but the prize was that I found strength through them.
•I deepened my life coping skills with journaling, poetry, prayer, movies, and quiet reflection.
Spirituality & Purpose
•My faith, beliefs, and sense of purpose grew really stronger and become more personal.
•I value peace over perfection, and truth over performance.
Health
•I put on a lot of weight and have struggled with the troubles of weight loss, healthy eating and healthy living.
I wouldn’t trade these years. I am thankful for them. They brought me to where I am today, to the woman I have become and still becoming, and I can say boldly…I am proud of her
How have the last 10 years been for you? Would you trade anything?
🩵


Such a very insightful analysis. You have seen much of my last free years. What stands out is adapting to my reduced abilities and finding contentment without battling
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Thank you Derrick.
Yeah I’ve seen your years…I admire your ability to stay strong even as you grow older.
I loved “contentment without battling”.
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Few years
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what great reflections
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Thank you so much Beth. 💕
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Very perceptive thoughts, Mimi.
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Thank you Tim. I enjoyed the time spent writing it. It gave me a lot of time to think deeply.
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Precious insights about life! Thanks for sharing from your heart ❤️
When I look back I am so thankful that God was faithful through the good and bad times.
I take courage in knowing He will continue to be. 🥰
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Thank you Joyroses.
God’s faithfulness really is comforting.
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