Erasing our past work is not only a disservice to our future and past selves, but to any person out there constantly evolving.
Which, I wish we all curiously strived toward - evolving, expanding, learning, expressing, being.
You don't get there at the first ‘go’. You foster it through humble attempts and curious pursuits and braving despite imperfection.
In a world where we can hit "delete": on our past, our history, our journey - a poor-performing creative attempt or flopped business venture - we erase our vulnerability. We erase the process to how we are arrived in this very moment. We erase the truth.
We erase an invitation for others to dream their big dreams to fruition, as the heavy pressure to execute beautifully chokes out their first attempt.
While some elements of me remain unchanged and have expanded - I believe it's through our expression that we find ourselves. To think one simply "arrived" is what keeps the majority of this world from attempting. Fear of looking foolish. Of being laughed at, or even laughing at ourselves one day.
Through practice and experience we become better attuned to our values, where we stand and put our foot down and how we remain constantly open and learning. Aligned and understanding of the ways our seemingly unrelated skillsets and strengths accentuate one another. Owning the power in our differences. Confidence in our story.
I can look back at past forms of expressions - my startups, degrees, races, relationships, writing - and see a thread that took me to my here and now. A thread weaving the blanket of who I am. Colors and styles changing, yet essential to holding together my self-fabric. It's a needle we direct, a pattern we determine, and a process we improve. I am comforted by that evolving tapestry, tattered and fraying and showing signs of improvement that I am confident I'll similarly chuckle at in years to come. And also look back at with pride in my strength and courage for persisting, sharing, evolving anyways.