Don't Forget Where You Came From

It is helpful in learning to appreciate and develop your ability to change to think about how you have changed over time. You are not the same person you were ten years ago. How are you different? What were you like before? Would your present self and past self be friends if they met? What would they like and dislike about each other? How did you come to be the person you are now? Your ideals, thoughts, and opinions have changed; what has replaced the old ones and why? By reviewing the changes that have occurred, you can savor the growth and progress you have made, and appreciate the benefits the process of change has brought to your life.

When you notice how much you have changed and developed even without consciously trying, you can see how much you could grow if you made a real effort to change.


-- Tarthang Tulku in Skillful Means
from Everyday Mind, edited by Jean Smith, a Tricycle book

Tags: dharma, buddhism, buddha, inspiration, encouragement, enlightenment, motivation, wisdom, religion, god, atheist, agnostic, peace, love, dalai lama, support, self-help

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