Looking at an Old Photo...

Looking at an old photo taken in my childhood/adolescent room…

I wonder what I would feel if I could magically walk into that room again. Would I view it through the eyes of a stranger- a mere observer, or would I know every detail, every secret? Would I have the same sentimental attachment to the pictures, posters, and other bits of “décor” lining my walls and bulletin board? Perhaps I would shake my head and grin at the absurdity of it all.

And if I could leave a note, just one little note, what would I say? Would I warn about the future pitfalls, missteps, and heartaches? I could try to prevent some of the bigger bumps of my life and risk the time-travel-paradox fallout. I imagine it could serve as a shortcut to life’s lessons; a shortcut to confidence; a shortcut to gratitude.

Of course, even hypothetical, time-traveling me would realize I couldn’t leave such a note because a shortcut to life is no life at all really. It would ultimately be cruel of current me to rob past me of learning those valuable lessons, even the ones learned through the sting of life as well as the laughter of life. As it is said, calm seas do not make good sailors.

But I think before I left my adolescent sanctuary, I’d simply write: The journey is bumpy but brilliant. 

Photo from: http://www.starwarsreport.com/tag/time-travel/