Lifesfinewhine

The Life & Ramblings Of A Zillennial

I Miss The Old Me

Sometimes

I look at the mirror

And don’t recognise the person

Staring back at me

I feel like a shell of who I once was

A broken, colourless version of myself

I look at the mirror

And

I miss the old me

I know I just posted a poem yesterday and I try to never post poetry more than once a week. But today is a busy day for me. I need to finish all my work a little earlier than usual because I want to have dinner with a friend. She’s only in town for a few days. And poetry is a little easier for me to write and takes less time. So I’m posting another poem today too.

“I Miss The Old Me” is about how when we grow up we give up parts of who we were. Sometimes it’s on purpose and other times it just happens. And often it can be due to societal pressures. We can try to keep that childish wonder etc but the truth is growing up changes you. You can never truly be the same as you were when you were younger. And honestly I’m okay with that. I know change is a constant part of life. But at the same time I do sometimes mourn that version of me. I do still miss her. When I read my old posts I feel sad sometimes because I’m not that Pooja anymore.

How do you feel about growing up? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Or simply stop by and say hi!

For more poetry click here.

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Posted by:

P. J. Gudka

132 responses to “I Miss The Old Me”

  1. Rita Avatar
    Rita

    We all grow and change. This is part of life. What exactly do you miss? Is it something you could revisit?

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, it’s a part of life and no unfortunately I can’t get it back.

      Reply
  2. singlikewildflowers Avatar
    singlikewildflowers

    Wow, poetry is one area that I can’t do. To hear you say that it takes less time for you is pretty cool.
    I enjoyed this poem!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Aw thank you!

      Reply
    2. simply_mwanza Avatar
      simply_mwanza

      I really agree with you. But I used to say that too only to realize it was a part of me that was blocked because I only allowed myself to be logic and emotional with what I write

      Reply
  3. John Avatar
    John

    Like Rita said, we all grow up change. You can be who you want to be, Pooja. ❤️

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, it’s a part of life. Thanks 😊

      Reply
  4. Joseph Glidden Avatar
    Joseph Glidden

    There was a song from the 90s sung by Patty Loveless that had the line “life’s about changing nothing ever stays the same,” which I think pretty much sums up life. You mentioned growing up. The song also has the line, “it’s okay to hurt and it’s okay to cry.” Growing pains are also a part of life. Maybe there is comfort in the thought that someday we will see it was worth it as we become better people over time.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, life is definitely constantly changing and sometimes that hurts. Thanks and I’ll check out the song, it sounds relatable.

      Reply
  5. Janice Reid Avatar
    Janice Reid

    Aww you’re such a cutie pie 💕.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Haha thanks 💖

      Reply
  6. Peter Avatar
    Peter

    I’ve been reflecting lately too about how i used to be. Didn’t have a care in the world when i was a kid and i felt so free! But at the same time when i think about certain parts of my life i cringe 😂 and I’m happy I’ve grown up a bit a changed for the better!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I think that’s normal for life, we have fond memories and others make us cringe. Fortunately, changing comes with benefits too.

      Reply
  7. Poet of the Light Avatar
    Poet of the Light

    Sometimes we outgrow ourselves before learning our newer purpose.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think that does happen sometimes.

      Reply
  8. Milena Alien Avatar
    Milena Alien

    Growing up feels like betraying myself in so many ways. The desire to fit in kills every single cell that is truly me in me. I don’t like it to be honest. I became someone else’s bad copy for the sake of being ‘normal’, for the sake of being socially accepted. I disdain it. First of all, it doesn’t really help me to be better understood or liked. Second of all, people who truly appreciate me don’t demand all this bs. So what’s the point then? At the end of the day, you are who you are…

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think that way too. I feel like it can be so difficult to remain your true self as we get older. We try to fit in but it feels like you’re pretending to be someone you aren’t.

      Reply
      1. Milena Alien Avatar
        Milena Alien

        I miss the old me too …

        Reply
    2. Rachel McAlpine Avatar
      Rachel McAlpine

      Don’t worry! There are more stages ahead, and this uncomfortable awareness could be a bridge to the next stage.

      Reply
      1. Milena Alien Avatar
        Milena Alien

        Thank you Rachel, appreciate your insight

        Reply
  9. dumbestblogger Avatar
    dumbestblogger

    No shame in posting poetry multiple times a week.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you.

      Reply
  10. RV1996 Avatar
    RV1996

    I, too, used to recognize myself when I look into my reflection and now it’s just a pure image of white noise.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, it can feel like that.

      Reply
    2. Rachel McAlpine Avatar
      Rachel McAlpine

      This must be pretty disturbing

      Reply
  11. tubasarwat Avatar
    tubasarwat

    I think as we grow up our responsibilities changes and we forsake our own identity.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, that’s definitely what happens.

      Reply
    2. Rachel McAlpine Avatar
      Rachel McAlpine

      That’s not my experience, though, if you take a longer view. Yes, responsibilities and opportunities change as we grow older, and they never stop changing. So that while I know the sad or dreary parts of life that you mention, they passed. And at 83, life is precious. Impossible to see the young me in the mirror, but i am befriending the new me.

      Reply
      1. tubasarwat Avatar
        tubasarwat

        It’s great to hear that you have a positive perspective on life and are embracing the changes that come with aging. Cherishing every moment and being grateful for what we have can bring a sense of contentment and peace. Thank you for sharing your perspective.

        Reply
  12. ianscyberspace Avatar
    ianscyberspace

    I learned long ago to embrace the now and learn from the past 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      That’s a good way to live 🙂

      Reply
  13. Destiny Avatar
    Destiny

    Love your poem Pooja. It speaks truths in volumes of change – wanted and unwanted. 🤍

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much 😊💖

      Reply
  14. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
    DEVANG UPADHYAYA

    One thing you cannot tell by looking the pic of that sweet little girl is one day she’ll become the best blogger.

    I’m sure if you look back in the mirror, that mirror will tell you that you are confident, you are amazing and you are exceptional.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks. Lol I wouldn’t say the best blogger but a someone who is happy to blog 😅

      Reply
      1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
        DEVANG UPADHYAYA

        Best blogger and my most favorite blogger 😏🙌🏻 🔆
        Being happy and enjoying the blogging should be the first thing in blogging 🥑🥒🥬

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Thanks and agreed! 😊

          Reply
          1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
            DEVANG UPADHYAYA

            Im glad that you agreed the part about being the best blogger

            Reply
            1. Pooja G Avatar
              Pooja G

              Lol I meant agreed with the latter 😂 But I am the G.O.A.T of blogging so… 😜

              Reply
              1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
                DEVANG UPADHYAYA

                💁🏻‍♂️👸🏻

                Reply
  15. Esha Avatar
    Esha

    Ah the age old saying, old is gold!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, such a true saying!

      Reply
  16. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar
    Vanya Wryter Consulting

    One thing I definitely miss about being a kid is having the time to read lots and lots of books. Great poem, Pooja.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I miss that too. I haven’t read more than two or three books in a month in so long. Before I would read like 8-10 books a month.

      Reply
      1. Vanya Wryter Consulting Avatar
        Vanya Wryter Consulting

        Adult life, right? Now most of my reading is research for work or reading stuff for adult life (like comparing literature on two products to decide what to buy).

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Yeah, that’s just what adulting is like these days. Unfortunately.

          Reply
  17. Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes Avatar
    Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

    I miss how uncomplicated life was, as I am not comfortable in todays chaotic world…

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, life does seem to have gotten more complicated.

      Reply
  18. Lebogang Shazzygal Malatji Avatar
    Lebogang Shazzygal Malatji

    We grow, develop and evolve. May this picture be the evident of that.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you and yes we sure do.

      Reply
  19. Shaunelius Sterns Avatar
    Shaunelius Sterns

    I like your poem. Sometimes I miss the younger me who had not a care in the world, but we grow and change before we know it. Life is funny like that. I saw gray hair I didn’t know were in my head, and I mean directly in the front. I thought it was a piece of lent, but that’s alright. I look at it as growing wise. Thanks for sharing. Have a great weekend.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much. Life is definitely complicated as we get older. I see a couple of hairs already and it’s kind of scary. But it is what it is. Thanks and have a great weekend too.

      Reply
      1. Shaunelius Sterns Avatar
        Shaunelius Sterns

        You’re welcome.

        Reply
  20. Doug Avatar
    Doug

    There’s a funny thing about the mirror. You can try to be the bailiff and ask for the courtroom oath,”Raise your right hand. Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth…”. But the mirror person will raise its left hand in which case it’s probably lying. But then, you can raise your left hand, in which case you’re lying, and the mirror person is telling the truth. When a person with a mole on the right side of their face looks, the mirror person tells them the mole is on the left side. One is sinister perhaps. Photos (unless the negative is turned around) show it correctly.
        Some day there will be a 3D printer that will use a video of you to make a statue of your younger self. Then, you can worship it or topple it in a public square.
        I wonder if a poem being a mere reflection of an image is left-handed.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      That’s a very interesting way to look at it. I think the thing about our memories is that we tend to look at things with rose-tinted glasses. It may not have been that great.

      Reply
  21. ofaworkingmom Avatar
    ofaworkingmom

    I can relate. Life was so much easier (and fun!) in my younger years. But slowly over time, the responsibility grows. Purchase of a house, birth of children, loss of parents who were always your security blanket. Then kids grow up and start their own life and you look back and wish for the less complicated days that were filled with determination of the next step you need to take. Somewhere along the timeline, you realize you lost yourself along the way.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Life gets more complicated over time. That’s just life I guess. It’s easy to lose yourself in all the chaos.

      Reply
      1. ofaworkingmom Avatar
        ofaworkingmom

        Yes…it is so easy to get caught up…its like one thing rolls into another and before you know it, you’re in too deep.

        Reply
  22. ofaworkingmom Avatar
    ofaworkingmom

    PS: I love the pic!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks!

      Reply
  23. Gertrude_n Avatar
    Gertrude_n

    The thing about growing up is that we change in one way or another.
    I love every bit of growing up because I learn new things and better ways of doing things.
    The part I miss about the old me is my teenage body. 😄

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Lol it’s the opposite for me. My body is much better looking now but I do get sick more often 😅

      Reply
      1. Gertrude_n Avatar
        Gertrude_n

        Sorry about the sickness. Am happy for you and your body. 😊😊😊

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Thanks 😊

          Reply
  24. Angel Avatar
    Angel

    Pooja, I think it’s imperative we grow old while maintaining some of that childhood wonder and joy. Otherwise, we can become cynical and questioning over not just everything but everyone! That leads to misery and unhappiness – disappointing for self but on a massive level, a detriment to society. Ask yourself what it is that you are doing or not doing that feels sad for you and then make your way back to incorporating those pieces of yourself into your life. It might take longer than you’d like but what else is more important than living YOUR life?

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I will definitely think about that. That’s very interesting. Thanks for the comment.

      Reply
  25. ashogbond3gmailcom Avatar
    ashogbond3gmailcom

    I really like this little girl picture and the words post with it let me fall in to deep remines when I was little kid touch my heart ❤️.. impressive

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks, I’m the girl in the picture. 😊

      Reply
      1. ashogbond3gmailcom Avatar
        ashogbond3gmailcom

        Really that awesome old picture of you ..u are welcome beautiful friend

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Thanks.

          Reply
  26. ReadWithCristina Avatar
    ReadWithCristina

    I was the girl in your poem at one point. But I realize now that I was so scared to let go of my old self because I was scared of change. Looking at me from today, I am so happy and excited to be who I become, and I’m so happy that I was finally able to let go of the old me. Amazing things can happen if we let go of the fear.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think fear is a big part of it. It’s great that you learnt to love your new self. I hope to do that too.

      Reply
  27. gizmos16201 Avatar
    gizmos16201

    Another poem this week is a bonus for all us, I hope your time spent with your friend went well

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you and it was wonderful.

      Reply
      1. gizmos16201 Avatar
        gizmos16201

        I am happy to hear you had a wonderful time

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Thanks.

          Reply
          1. gizmos16201 Avatar
            gizmos16201

            I hope you are enjoying your weekend

            Reply
            1. Pooja G Avatar
              Pooja G

              I am and hope you are too.

              Reply
              1. gizmos16201 Avatar
                gizmos16201

                I am doing pretty well this weekend, we at least are receiving some sunshine which has been missing for several months.

                Reply
                1. Pooja G Avatar
                  Pooja G

                  That’s great. Life always seems better when the weather is good.

                  Reply
                  1. gizmos16201 Avatar
                    gizmos16201

                    You are a very smart lady, since the sun has been shining life is so much better here for everyones mood

                    Reply
                    1. Pooja G Avatar
                      Pooja G

                      That’s wonderful, glad everyone is better.

                    2. gizmos16201 Avatar
                      gizmos16201

                      It was nice to receive several sunny days, today is cloudy might rain

                    3. Pooja G Avatar
                      Pooja G

                      That’s nice, hopefully you get more sun soon since winter should be ending in some weeks.

                    4. gizmos16201 Avatar
                      gizmos16201

                      Spring will be here soon, we have another cold front coming this week.

                    5. Pooja G Avatar
                      Pooja G

                      Well, hopefully that will be the last one before spring.

                    6. gizmos16201 Avatar
                      gizmos16201

                      Today it is much warmer here but cloudy, let us hope this is the last cold front and warmer weather is right around the corner

                    7. Pooja G Avatar
                      Pooja G

                      It’s too hot here in Kenya. It’s not as bad as summer there but for Kenyan weather it’s quite hot.

                    8. gizmos16201 Avatar
                      gizmos16201

                      I am not familiar with Kenya, one day I am going to read more about Kenya to learn more

                    9. Pooja G Avatar
                      Pooja G

                      Yes, we have an interesting history so I’m sure you’ll enjoy reading about Kenya.

                    10. gizmos16201 Avatar
                      gizmos16201

                      I am sure I will find it interesting to learn about Kenya

  28. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/ Avatar
    Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

    There are no rules that say we CANNOT reclaim a part of ourselves that got lost along the way through life’s difficulties, once we decide to make a change or if we remove ourselves from a situation and feel free once again to e our genuine selves!

    What are you missing from the old you that you could reincorporate into your life as it is now, to allow those good feeling to be part of your life once more?

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Mainly it’s just that I used to be able to do things without fear but after getting an anxiety disorder it’s not like that anymore. I just wish I could go back to being fearless. Maybe I can someday.

      Reply
      1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/ Avatar
        Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

        Maybe you can! Nothing is set in stone in this life! Our fears serve a purpose and when we work through them, our fears will diminish with time. Do not worry about needing to dissipate them, it will happen when it is time. In the meantime, follow your joy!

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Thanks and I am working towards a life where I can be free of fear but I don’t know how that’s going to work out. All I can do is hope for the best.

          Reply
          1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/ Avatar
            Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

            One moment at a time. I remember when my anxiety was the highest was when my self esteem was lowest and so I was very hard on myself for any little reason, which ended up being a downward spiral. Working on improving my perception of myself helped my worrying and my anxieties, even though I didn’t see the connection at the time. Maybe this could help you too?

            Reply
            1. Pooja G Avatar
              Pooja G

              Yeah, my anxiety was much worse and I was the same when I was at my lowest. I’m better now and working on getting well again but some days are just tougher than others. That does help, thank you.

              Reply
              1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/ Avatar
                Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

                There will be ups and downs. You know the steps to get to where you want. Keep doing the work and you’ll get there!

                Reply
                1. Pooja G Avatar
                  Pooja G

                  Thanks!

                  Reply
                  1. Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/ Avatar
                    Tamara Kulish from https://tamarakulish.com/

                    😀🙂🤩

                    Reply
  29. Anjali Avatar
    Anjali

    I know change is the only constant and one has to keep growing and evolving to survive, but I think one must never lose the parts of them that one loved the most.
    In the past 1 year, I’ve also changed a lot, I’m not the same person anymore but I won’t let the essence of me (that I love) fade away.
    You shouldn’t either!
    You look very cute in that picture💕

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, change is unfortunately a constant in life. Thanks! 😊

      Reply
  30. LenoreDallas Avatar
    LenoreDallas

    I’m not sure which old me I miss. There are a few. 🤷‍♀️

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Haha yes, we all have multiple versions of ourselves 😅

      Reply
  31. Kirsten Avatar
    Kirsten

    I love that photo of you as a child. So adorable. Miss the old me too, but I think that part of ourselves never vanishes completely. 💕

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you. Yes, true in a way it’s always inside us 😊

      Reply
      1. Kirsten Avatar
        Kirsten

        💕

        Reply
  32. Opher Avatar
    Opher

    Life is change. How I wish I could go back and visit with my 18-year-old self. We’d both be shocked.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, I think that would be the case for a lot of people.

      Reply
  33. Six Word Story #192 – Lifesfinewhine

    […] wanted to talk a little bit about todays six word story because it relates to yesterdays poem that I posted. So, this six word story is actually a condensed version of a poem I am saving for […]

    Reply
  34. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    This is a thought-provoking post, Pooja. It’s inevitable that we change over our lifetimes, but as we mature and realize we don’t need to fit others’ molds, we can reclaim ourselves. Some do that earlier and some later, some not at all. Now that I’m retired, I have way more fun, and don’t care as much about what other people think. It was too long coming, but I’m grateful for the shift.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you. Yes, change is inevitable but sometimes it leaves us a little hollow. I hope I can get to that part where I just have fun without caring.

      Reply
  35. haoyando Avatar
    haoyando

    I don’t like my old days of growing up, but I understand that many people like it. For example, poets like Wordsworth always talks about his days of growing up. He is obsessed with it. I somehow think that he writes poems only for the purpose of reproducing those days in his mind. I think it really works for him that he can produce something sad and delightful at the same time.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think some people get extremely attached to those memories. And the human mind has a way to make them seem better than they were.

      Reply
  36. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
    Cindy Georgakas

    love your poem and introspection Pooja!💞

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much! 😊

      Reply
      1. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
        Cindy Georgakas

        Absolutely! ❣️

        Reply
  37. Belladonna Avatar
    Belladonna

    Yes it’s always hard to look back and not feel some type of way about old times. But it’s shows that you’re growing and changing in a powerful way. The new Pooja is worth cheering for!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much and yes it’s also a good thing to grow and evolve!

      Reply
  38. TCKlaire Avatar
    TCKlaire

    I miss the old me too because I was such a carefree kid. Also, I’m so happy that I had a childhood free from technology. When I take time off from tech, I tell myself I’m going back to the 90s

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, I miss not being surrounded by tech and having time to just live. Tech free days are a must for mental health.

      Reply
  39. Mr. Ohh's Sideways View Avatar
    Mr. Ohh’s Sideways View

    The old you is still there. She’s hiding in a lonley spot, on a quiet bench with no electronics. Go and find her sometime. 🤣😎🙃

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Haha I may have to find her! 😂

      Reply
  40. Pennize Pics Avatar
    Pennize Pics

    There are parts of the old me that I miss occasionally but with age and experience comes wisdom. So some of the things that I know now I wish I had known when I was younger. But we are where we are supposed to be and a little more aware of life.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, it’s true we get wiser over time. We are where we are supposed to be.

      Reply
  41. R Carter Avatar
    R Carter

    Really nice poem Pooja and beautiful pic of your younger self

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much.

      Reply
  42. dustyreviewer Avatar
    dustyreviewer

    This poem really made me reflective. I think about my old self a lot. I feel really fortunate for my old self. He made the decisions (most of them good) that got me to where I am now. That said… I don’t know that I “miss” the old me as much as I miss the feeling of youth, being surrounded by other young people, and having what felt like limitless options in front of me. You can take on new things as you get older (and you should!), but you can’t really gather everyone in your community who is your own age and make them go through it with you.

    It’d be cool if you could, though.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, sometimes we just miss that feeling of youth. There are pros to getting older but sometimes it’s tough too.

      Reply
      1. dustyreviewer Avatar
        dustyreviewer

        I generally like getting older (aside from the constant betrayals of my increasingly decrepit body.) The biggest upside is that I feel like I’m aging into my grumpy personality. I’ve kind of been a grumpy old man since I was a kid.

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Lol me too, I swear I have the personality of an old person. I like staying in, reading, stuff that’s not loud haha.

          Reply
          1. dustyreviewer Avatar
            dustyreviewer

            Lol. Same.

            Reply

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