I recently saw a video that stated there are two people in your life who you should make proud. It’s not your spouse, your parents, or co-workers. It’s the 8-year-old version of you and the 80-year-old version of yourself.
Your 8-year-old self represents innocence, curiosity, and the dreams that existed before the expectations of the world took hold. That younger you is the version who still believed in magic, who chased joy without worrying about judgment, and who had a clear sense of what felt exciting and fulfilling. To make that 8-year-old proud is to honor those early passions, to retain a sense of wonder, and to avoid betraying the things that once made your heart light up.
Your 80-year-old self represents wisdom, perspective, and the knowledge that time is finite. This version of you has lived the consequences of your choices and now looks back with either gratitude or regret. Or both. To make that elder you proud is to live with intention, to choose paths you won’t wish you had avoided, and to prioritize relationships, experiences, and values over fleeting distractions.
If you live a life where both your child-self and your elder-self would smile at the choices you’ve made, you’re likely living authentically. The child reminds you to dream and play; the elder reminds you to act with purpose and integrity. Together, they form the best compass you could ever have for a fulfilling life.
Ask yourself often: would little-me be excited about who I’ve become? Would future-me be grateful for how I’ve spent my days? If the answer is yes to both, you’re probably on the right path.
“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” – Proverbs 19:21
Being About The Journey 