Whenever #throwbackThursday rolls around, I always see these insane posts of photos of people 4 years ago, 10 years, 15. Captions are usually “(Number of) pounds ago, or “Before I had  eyebags” or “Wasn’t i supposed to be more successful by now?”. I think the throwback Thursday posts are a way of reliving our past, whether it be a past figure, a friend you haven’t seen in a long time, and makes us think of regrets we’ve had, or how little we’ve accomplished since then. Looking at yourself younger, more fit, and all around “better” can be a kick to the senses. I know I’ve had those moments when I was like, “If I knew I was going to be this chubby, I would’ve worn string bikinis years ago.” or “Augh, what have I done since this photo?”, little things that nag you and make you nostalgic and a little bit down.

I say, honor your past for what it has done to shape you to who you are today. That teeny pooch you didn’t have 5 years ago that you first got travelling to HK and eating so much street food. Those bags under your eyes because your 3 year old kept you up every single night for a week. The wrinkles around your mouth because you can’t stop smiling in the house you just bought for yourself, even if it means 5 more years of payments to get it to be fully yours.

You earned it. Every bag, wrinkle or pooch. You’ve lived. You’ve experienced so many things since that photo of you in that microskirt that would never fit you again. You’re wiser after the string of bad women that have loved you and left you and know what a good relationship feels like, and what it takes to keep it.

Live. Do it for yourself. Do it for those who can’t because their situations are dire, or they’re not financially able, physically capable.

Make these years count. Stop looking back with regret and thank yourself for surviving what you’ve gone through and being able to live.

We only get one life in this earth, make it the best you can.