Honoring Your Past and Celebrating Growth
There’s something truly powerful about seeing the distance between who you once were and who you’re becoming. When we go on a journey of personal growth, especially when it involves inner child work, we start to look back at behaviors that were once driven by self-protection and survival. Maybe you were judgmental, quick to put up walls, or acted from a place of insecurity, but here’s the truth: that was the best you could do with the tools you had at that time.
People from your past might still see you as that version of yourself. They may hold memories of the wounded you, the one who hadn’t yet learned to let down defenses and find compassion for yourself and others. But as you step into personal growth and self-love, you start learning how to be kinder to that version of you. You see those past actions as part of your survival journey, and now, with new tools and insights, you’re evolving.
Healing Your Inner Child and Honoring Your Journey
Doing inner child work is about going back to those parts of yourself that once felt unworthy or misunderstood and holding them with grace. It’s like giving a hug to the younger you, letting them know that it’s okay—they were doing what they needed to do to get by. As you practice self-love and acceptance, you begin to outgrow old ways of thinking, feeling, and acting. That judgmental or guarded part of you that once needed to protect itself can start to relax.
It’s easy to fall into guilt or regret when you remember who you used to be. Maybe you weren’t as open, maybe you judged others who were on their own paths, or maybe you used humor or crassness to keep people at arm’s length. But remember, personal growth isn’t about resenting your past self; it’s about honoring who you are now while holding compassion for who you once were.
When Others Hold onto the “Old You”
Here’s the thing about personal growth, not everyone will recognize it. There will be people who remember the old you, the one who might have been quick to judge or stayed distant out of fear. Some people may even call you out on past behavior, questioning if you’ve really changed. In these moments, don’t get defensive. There’s no need to prove anything. Instead, calmly acknowledge their feelings, and let them know that you’re on a new path. This can be as simple as saying, “I understand why you remember me that way, but I’ve worked to grow from that place. I’m in a different space now, and I’m learning to show up in new ways.”
By staying grounded in your growth, you not only hold space for your transformation but might even inspire others to embark on their own journeys. Change is possible for everyone, and by showing people that you’re committed to evolving, you break the cycle of judgment, comparison, and competition that society tends to encourage.
Replacing Judgment with Love
As you heal and grow, you might notice that you no longer feel the need to compete with others or judge them for their journeys. The more you love yourself, the more space you have to hold compassion for others. You begin to see that everyone is at a different stage in their journey, doing the best they can with what they know. You replace the impulse to compare with the desire to support, and you recognize that every person you meet has their own inner struggles, just as you once did.
With this shift, you start radiating a new kind of energy, the energy of someone who has learned to love deeply, both yourself and others. This ripple effect of self-acceptance and compassion can change the way you move through the world. You don’t have to be anyone’s definition of “cool” or “thriving” anymore because you’re building your own. You’re creating a life where growth and love are the guiding principles.
Moving Forward with Self-Love and Empowerment
As you continue on your journey, you’ll encounter people who challenge your growth, bringing up old memories or questioning your evolution. But know this: you’re allowed to grow, to change, and to be different than you once were. Hold steady in your truth and remember that the person you are now is a product of dedication, self love, and a commitment to being better.
By choosing compassion over competition and openness over judgment, you’re creating a new model of what it means to thrive. It’s no longer about fitting a mold or proving yourself, it’s about being the truest, most loving version of you. And if your journey inspires others to begin their own, you’re contributing to a world where growth, kindness, and connection have the power to change everything.
So, when you think back on the old you, hold that person with grace. They got you to where you are now, and they taught you how to grow into this person who is ready to give love to the world, including yourself. Let that self love be the spark that lights your way forward.
