There is definitely something that comes with age (or experience) that gives you new perspective on things that happened in your past.
For instance, the church camp situation that led to me writing “Sentenced: A novelette about three teenage girls awakening at church camp” was something that I was indignant about for many years. It didn’t help that everyone I told the story to was shocked and indignant as well.
I can’t pinpoint the moment that shifted for me, but it no longer holds any emotional charge for me. In fact, when I finally got around to writing the fictionalized version of what happened, I had a lot of fun and attempted to infuse it with lightness and the lesson that I wished I had learned in that moment.
Even so, I have had a couple of readers express some indignation at what occurred, but I don’t feel the need to agree or even feel that anymore.
That is what came up for me with today’s prompt. I know the power of reframing our memories and considering them from a different perspective.
My ideal self blesses the past and then forgets it. Sure, she keeps the data or info, but leaves behind the emotional attachments that might hold her back or create resistance or anger.