The Past Doesn’t Dictate Who You’ll Become

A few days ago, my twin sister and father tagged me in a photo online. Not just any photo, it was the kind of photo I wish never saw the light of day, the type of photo that makes me question my fashion decisions…and my caloric intake decisions. When I saw it, I experienced a gamut of emotions (embarrassment/fear/pity/hilarity) and wanted to hide it.

After a few minutes of shock, I looked at the photo again…

Instead of seeing everything that was wrong with me, I decided to focus on everything that was beautiful within the frame. My dad had hair. I was happily drinking soda without thinking of the health implications. Fuchsia was a good color on me. The church basement was a great place for a party. (I might be stretching here.)

Later that day I harangued my sister and father for selling me out online. On the contrary, my father said, the photo wasn't shared to be an embarrassment, but a source of pride. “You've come a long way, with very little, so don't look back at what you didn't have or how you wished you looked…look forward to the future, a place where the past reminds of who you are, but doesn't dictate who you'll become.”