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Stuck In The Past

On The Brink Of Collapse | Six Word Story | Things All Introverts Want You To Know | Throner Problems

Stuck in the past Desperately trying to Turn back time Turn back to The person I used to be When I had hope When I had faith I had so much hope That things would get better That I would finally be free The present Is not the future I wanted to create for myself The person in the mirror Is not who I ever wanted to be I’ve become my own Worst enemy And time Is my sidekick

About The Poem:

“Stuck In The Past” ended up being more depressing than I initially thought it would be. But it’s okay. Sometimes I edit old posts and think of who I used to be. I was so much more ambitious and much less cautious. I used to wear rose-colored glasses and think that I would achieve all my goals. Growing up forcing us to be more realistic and abandon some goals that were near and dear to us.

However, I really can’t complain (even though I always do). I did abandon some parts of me and some of my goals but I also achieved many of them. Not everyone is lucky enough to be able to create multiple successful businesses and work full-time from home in their pjs. And everyday I work towards other goals too. So overall, I am happy with what I have achieved. It’s just I miss the old Pooja sometimes, I miss not knowing all the horrible things about the world I know now. I miss having faith in humanity. But that Pooja is gone and I need to accept that.

For anyone that is about to say, you can go back to that person. I don’t think I can. As a historian I know too much about the past and present to have faith in most humans and humanity as a whole. And I’m okay with that. In some ways I’m better off now. I would rather accept reality and be a pessimist. I’ve made peace with that.

For more poetry click here.

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P. J. Gudka

108 responses to “Stuck In The Past”

  1. Alex Diaz-Granados Avatar
    Alex Diaz-Granados

    Awesome poem, and thought-provoking commentary. Keep it up; you are a talented writer.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much, I really appreciate your kind compliment.

      Reply
      1. Alex Diaz-Granados Avatar
        Alex Diaz-Granados

        You’re welcome!

        Reply
  2. Ludmilla Louissaint Avatar
    Ludmilla Louissaint

    Forgetting the past is a difficult thing to do when there are many unresolved issues or unfulfilled goals. Holding on and focusing on the present to achieve a better future is the best thing we can do. This is a masterpiece 👏

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      That’s very true, it’s best to focus on the present and build a better future. 😊

      Reply
  3. Milena Alien Avatar
    Milena Alien

    “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance!” Oscar Wilde.
    I hope you become your own friend whether stuck or unstuck.
    I wish you all the best, Pooj!

    Reply
    1. anishozawrites Avatar
      anishozawrites

      Forgetting the past is the worst pain to go through. Wonderfully written.

      Reply
      1. Pooja G Avatar
        Pooja G

        Yes, it’s incredibly difficult. Thank you.

        Reply
    2. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you and I really love that quote, I have always found myself agreeing with Wilde.

      Reply
      1. Milena Alien Avatar
        Milena Alien

        we are all learning to love ourselves, sometimes we succeed in it

        Reply
  4. ianscyberspace Avatar
    ianscyberspace

    The past is to learn from not to dwell on in discouragement. I’m glad for all of my mistakes as they taught me what needed to be done to achieve fulfillment in life. The important thing is to be content in the present.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think the best thing to do is focus on the present. Something I am trying to do these days.

      Reply
  5. Rita Avatar
    Rita

    You may not be able to go back, but take heart, dear. God has this!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  6. Joseph Glidden Avatar
    Joseph Glidden

    This poem resonates with me. I prefer to say that I am an optimistic pessimist. I see chances of achieving some goals dwindling, but still a thin thread of a chance remaining.

    I blame the 80s and 90s, where the mantra was you can achieve anything you put your mind to. What was missing in that statement is that you may not be able to do everything you want, depending resources available to you. Focus and perseverance are the key. I am still working on those two things, lol.

    View the dreams as water with a clear coating of ice on top. When you encounter the ice, it cracks and changes your view of the water. You can continue to chip at the ice and break through to the water or wait for the season to change and the ice to melt.

    Don’t try waiting if you are in the Antarctic. 😉

    I hope you get some sleep.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, that’s so true. Growing up in the 90’s your really felt like you could achieve anything. But you get older and realise it’s just not possible for everyone.

      That’s a great way of looking at it as long as I’m in a warm climate lol. Thanks.

      Reply
  7. Nicole Smith Avatar
    Nicole Smith

    I keep trying to explain to Pammy that there is such a limited window to feel like the world is before you.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Unfortunately, as teenagers we don’t really understand that and it’s one of those things you only learn as you get older.

      Reply
  8. Vidah Avatar
    Vidah

    Loved your poetry!
    It was indeed a masterpiece😊

    Reply
    1. Vidah Avatar
      Vidah

      Is*

      Reply
    2. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  9. Steve Avatar
    Steve

    There’s a lot to digest here. The poem is indeed thought-provoking, as another reader says. I guess what I take from it and your post is, as we grow and learn, we invariably become disenchanted with parts of life when we realize the ideals of our youth may be hard or impossible to achieve, as we realize not everyone is working for the greater good. It’s okay though, in the end, if we focus on and celebrate making small changes that make the world a little better.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much. Yes, it can be disenchanting to realise these things when you grow up. But I think I’m okay with them and I’m fine with knowing the world isn’t a great place overall. You’re right focusing on the small changes and the little good stuff helps a lot.

      Reply
      1. Steve Avatar
        Steve

        You’re welcome! That’s good… it’s important to learn acceptance vs trying to change *everything.*

        Reply
  10. Destiny Avatar
    Destiny

    someone very wise once said…
    ” One step backwards, two steps forward”… 😋

    Have a lovely day, Pooja.🤍🤗

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I wouldn’t say very wise… 😅 Thank you so much and have a lovely day too 🤗

      Reply
      1. Destiny Avatar
        Destiny

        wise enough 😉

        always a pleasure 🤍

        Reply
  11. Jixi Fox Avatar
    Jixi Fox

    🙂 oh yes

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      😊

      Reply
  12. Jixi Fox Avatar
    Jixi Fox

    I dig this line….

    “That I would finally be free

    The present

    Is not the future

    I wanted to create for myself

    The person in the mirror

    Is not who I ever wanted to be”

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much.

      Reply
  13. byngnigel Avatar
    byngnigel

    Hindsight is a bugger. Reality bites, and comes back for seconds. I enjoyed this, because it’s a phase we all endure, and perhaps several times..as we get older, we realize that the opportunity may have passed, but it did not miss us. Life is a circle. As long as there is breath, old dreams are still possible. Perhaps not the way we envisioned them, but still possible. I enjoy your writing Pooja. 🙏❤️❤️

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, reality can hurt sometimes but it’s a part of life unfortunately. Thank you so much 😊❤️

      Reply
  14. Doug Avatar
    Doug

    There is an expression: “The devil is in the details.” When I was a child, my science teachers were all idiots. When they over-simplified subjects and encouraged ‘creativity’ without explaining that there were many details that you would learn when you were older, they destroyed the many children who are not born geniuses. Most 10-year-olds (or younger) are not capable of doing significant scientific experiments, or understanding history… toy science is not real science, and playing war is not the same as going to real war… With the exception of a few geniuses, children are full of mostly false information which does not justify thinking they can do real things in the actual complicated world. They learn a little at a time through “play” in all its educational aspects, but they temporarily have “toy” or “play” knowledge, not rocket science that would fly a cow over the moon. They can play Superman, but they can’t be Superman or any other fantasy character. And now we have adults who are still children and have faux abilities and limited understanding of the world’s real dynamics. And now court jesters and clowns are in charge of the government. Very dangerous.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Unfortunately, we have a lot of adults that believe everything they hear and are unable to actually understand how facts and science work. But as a historian, I can assure you this is nothing new. There were and are always going to be groups of people that refuse to accept reality.

      Reply
  15. Opher Avatar
    Opher

    I often wonder what the person I was in my youth would make of the person I’ve become. I’d love to go back and visit, to feel that idealistic naivety again.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      That’s exactly it, I really miss that idealistic naivety.

      Reply
  16. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
    DEVANG UPADHYAYA

    I sometimes think of my younger self.
    He was so naive about so many things

    He didn’t respected women as I do

    And he did many stupid things in the name of love and I want to beat that Devang, because it wasn’t worth it.

    I don’t know which pooja was better, the one in funky glasses or this one.

    The quality of your work has improved a lot over the time.

    You are now more confident and strong woman

    And now you are old with wrinkles 😛

    Keep thriving PG

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Younger Pooja was an awful adjacent person and quite dumb but I do miss her. She was much more naive and therefore optimistic. But life goes on, we live and learn and grow.
      Yes, look at me at the ripe old age of 26 😅

      Reply
      1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
        DEVANG UPADHYAYA

        Learn and grow!!
        yes

        Yes you are old, compared to me who is 29, haha

        Person wise who’s better?
        This PG or younger Pooja?

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          I think both Pooja’s have their pros and cons lol. This Pooja is a lot nicer, the old one was mean and bitter.

          Reply
          1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
            DEVANG UPADHYAYA

            Aha
            Good thing that she’s not blogging then 😛

            And so you are blogging for last 7-8 years.

            I would like to read more of your old work. 😁

            Reply
            1. Pooja G Avatar
              Pooja G

              Feel free to check it out, I started in 2015.

              Reply
              1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
                DEVANG UPADHYAYA

                Wah 2015….
                You must be what 18 or something
                Wah

                Reply
                1. Pooja G Avatar
                  Pooja G

                  Yeah 18, it was a long time ago 😑

                  Reply
                  1. DEVANG UPADHYAYA Avatar
                    DEVANG UPADHYAYA

                    Well, and you are still doing it

                    It’s not like an experiment. It’s something epic

                    Reply
  17. sentikijamir Avatar
    sentikijamir

    I do take a trip to my past once in a while and wish I had done certain things differently. But whatever choices I made then has brought me here: today.
    Be proud of your achievements! You have come a long way 🍻

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      True, we are who we are thanks to our past choices. Thanks! 😊

      Reply
  18. Shraddha Govekar Avatar
    Shraddha Govekar

    Wonderful post Pooja 👍🏼 it really made me think and realised how much I changed and achieved goals in past few years.
    Keep it up lovely 😊

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much, yeah sometimes we don’t realise just how much we’ve changed 😊

      Reply
  19. vesnab7 Avatar
    vesnab7

    I feel the same way. Although I’m aware that I’ll never be the old me again, I miss her. And that’s OK.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, I think we all feel that way and it’s okay to. That feeling is valid but of course we also have to look ahead.

      Reply
      1. vesnab7 Avatar
        vesnab7

        I agree with you. Take care🌺

        Reply
  20. Ranjana Avatar
    Ranjana

    Change is hard. And sometimes going back and reclaiming your cheery self is not an option. You have come a long way Pooja and you are inspiring everyone around you including bloggers worldwide by choosing the new you.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, that’s exactly true. Going back isn’t an option and that’s what makes change difficult. Thanks so much, I really appreciate that.

      Reply
  21. Cindy Georgakas Avatar
    Cindy Georgakas

    Deep, contemplative, reflective poem, Pooja! 💞

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much! 💕

      Reply
  22. Feets Avatar
    Feets

    I have hope in the world. Giving it expectations and holding people accountable is enough. If one believes something won’t change, then they won’t work towards the change.

    I know me as a little small pea, cannot do to help anyone, but I know for a fact that I at least cared. Just because a percentage of people are extremely bad doesn’t mean the human race is bad. I don’t feel like you’re bad, in fact, I have a very neutral opinion towards you based on my morality because I don’t know you.

    But, the thing is, the past is the past. It’s probably just a survivorship bias or feeling miserable (not saying you are) and not having responsibilities or a care. The thing is, when I was younger, my life was terrible—absolutely. Not as bad as some people’s but bad yet I lament about the good old days where I was unaware because it meant I didn’t have to think that hard but it didn’t solve anything. I was mad about being born.

    A lot of things require editing and editing over and over and having faith in the project or the assignment. Life can be like that. Acting too. Changing and going with it. Imagine if you still had the mindset when you were younger or didn’t get to have experiences.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Definitely always keep caring, I definitely care a lot too and when I can make a positive change I try to. But as a whole I don’t see humanity improving or changing for the better. I’m glad you have a more optimistic outlook. Hold on to that because being a pessimist is exhausting. I’m trying to be a more positive person but when you’ve spent years learning about the bad stuff it’s hard to focus on the good.

      Reply
      1. Feets Avatar
        Feets

        I’m still a pessimistic type, just not with that. I truly believe we can improve, we have potential, but I don’t know if we will.

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          Fingers crossed. Be prepared for both disappointment and a positive outcome don’t just focus too hard on one. That’s what my therapist tells me.

          Reply
  23. Shaunelius Sterns Avatar
    Shaunelius Sterns

    The past of our lives are gone. If we could turn back time, what would we do differently? We learn from the mistakes, we grow stronger, but forgetting is hard to do. Nice poem, very thought provoking. Thanks for sharing. Have a great week.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you so much. Yes, it’s necessary to change and grow but sometimes it’s hard to forget the past. Have a great week too.

      Reply
  24. nonsmokingladybug Avatar
    nonsmokingladybug

    Written from the heart.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much.

      Reply
  25. WellsFiction Avatar
    WellsFiction

    That’s the funny part about writing. Sometimes when I write casually I end up writing something deep and kind of dark. History is sort of like historical fiction when you really think about it.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, I find myself just writing and ending up with something deeper than I expected.

      Reply
  26. Lokesh Sastya Avatar
    Lokesh Sastya

    “OLD POOJA G IS BACK!”🤣🤣
    YOU’RE FREE. YOU’RE HOPEFUL.
    AND YOU HAVE FULL FAITH ON YOURSELF, TODAY.👏👏

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Haha thanks!

      Reply
      1. Lokesh Sastya Avatar
        Lokesh Sastya

        :⁠-⁠)

        Reply
  27. clcouch123 Avatar
    clcouch123

    I appreciate the poem, sad as it is. I have a friend a little older who does not follow the news or generally what’s happening in the world. He really does this, and I should remember when I bring up current events. And I don’t always like to know the world as it is and often think and write alternatives. But still I know, and I guess like you that has to be all right.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks. Yeah, I try to think/write alternatives too but I guess we all have to accept the world as it is at some point.

      Reply
  28. alichristine Avatar
    alichristine

    I loved it!! I can definitely relate. It’s hard to look forward when you loved that past girl so much. But we are who we are because of her..

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much! Yeah, it’s hard to let go of the past sometimes but there’s no use holding on either.

      Reply
  29. modest28 Avatar
    modest28

    The past is actually not easy to let go especially when you’re unable to achieve some of dreams. One just need to live for the moment and hope for a better future

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, it’s incredibly difficult to let go of the past. Especially when you aren’t where you thought you would be in the present. That’s true, it’s best to focus on the future.

      Reply
      1. modest28 Avatar
        modest28

        Thank you

        Reply
  30. drpoonamchaubey Avatar
    drpoonamchaubey

    Past is ingrained in u for rest of your life but we can always keep it away and learn from it in the present context!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Absolutely, it’s best to learn from the past for a better future.

      Reply
  31. Janice Reid Avatar
    Janice Reid

    Don’t worry the world stinks to the rest of us most of the time too 🙂.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Lol happy to hear that (I think?) 😅

      Reply
  32. Manoj Mehra Avatar
    Manoj Mehra

    I can relate.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Hopefully we can both work on looking towards the future instead.

      Reply
      1. Manoj Mehra Avatar
        Manoj Mehra

        Will try.

        Reply
  33. Creator Colin Avatar
    Creator Colin

    I hear this! I totally hear this!

    I’m finding that switching off, is really helping. Getting off social media, reducing contact via apps and forcing social interactions instead of endless emails or WhatsApp messages, and it is helping to bring back some of the wonder in life, because it’s not all there all the time.

    I don’t want to sound hopelessly optimistic because I’m really not, but I do think if you dig deep in the right moments, you can find that person and those moments are so wonderful.

    Sending warmth.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much. I’m trying to take time off most social media too. And that does help. I’m also planning to travel more which I’m hoping will make me feel better. Glad you’re feeling better too and spending more time in the real world which I think is always a good idea.

      Reply
  34. TCKlaire Avatar
    TCKlaire

    I think it’s normal to mourn the past somewhat, which is totally okay, as long as it doesn’t rule our entire existence

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      True, as long as it doesn’t ruin our present and future it’s okay to miss the past sometimes.

      Reply
  35. 𝑹𝒐𝑩𝑰𝑵 🪐 Avatar
    𝑹𝒐𝑩𝑰𝑵 🪐

    Just this week I’ve learned that a majority of Britons don’t find gollywog dolls racist. Just made me think how much outward talk of being against racism must be pathetically shallow. Just one example of things which constantly astound me in daily life! I didn’t even know gollywog dolls existed until i went to uni and yet it’s self explanatory. 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      I learnt about them in uni too and yes they are obviously incredibly racist. I think a lot of people who claim to be anti-racist don’t really know what it means to be anti-racist. And many just hide their true opinions and feelings. Which is sad but also very much a reality.

      Reply
      1. 𝑹𝒐𝑩𝑰𝑵 🪐 Avatar
        𝑹𝒐𝑩𝑰𝑵 🪐

        Yes totally agree! I definitely think that some people actually think it’s about what you express, for example owning gollywogs being fine but not displaying them 🤦‍♂️. I saw many people expressing that opinion this week, seemingly unaware. At least the younger people in a poll i did about it were much better.

        Reply
        1. Pooja G Avatar
          Pooja G

          I feel like some people don’t think private/closeted racism is bad when in reality it’s just as bad as people being openly racist. Glad the younger people were more aware of the racism behind gollywogs and why it would be racist to own them.

          Reply
  36. kiki | soyvirgo.com Avatar
    kiki | soyvirgo.com

    interesting i was thinking of this recently and how im growing up and im not the same.. like i was watching some cartoons and i couldn’t focus or enjoy. i used to love these cartoons, but now i cant sit easily without THINKING of what else i should be doing.
    most of my growing up is good but i got a little sad that some things i just cant enjoy anymore like i used to. now im thinking of “the grind” not my goals or dreams lol but ya know what, i go back and forth. some days im down and go yes i can reach my goals, and the next day i could be like, whats the point! but idk i guess thats life just gotta be grateful when i can. thanks for sharing your poems!

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Same here. It’s those little things that I miss and that make me sad about growing up. The disillusionment that comes with being an adult doesn’t help.
      True, it’s just a part of life and sometimes realistically we have to focus on paying bills more than achieving our dreams.
      Thanks!

      Reply
  37. haoyando Avatar
    haoyando

    I thought I have already commented, but then I can’t find my comment. LOL. I guess the wp ghost is working again. Yes, finding ourselves and mapping a path for ourselves are not really easy, and we also have to be flexible enough to make changes and determined enough to strive forward. It is not easy and we just have to do the best to make ourselves happy while taking care of ourselves and our future.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Lol maybe you read the post and thought I’ll comment later and forgot. That happens to me sometimes. Or the WP ghost is out to get you lol.
      True, it’s very difficult when we grow up and have to plan the future out. And being happy as an adult is tough too.

      Reply
  38. dustyreviewer Avatar
    dustyreviewer

    This poem is great and super-relatable. I think one way we sometimes get stuck in the past is that we stop casting a new vision for our futures when we reach a certain age. So we end up grieving our young selves’ vision for a long time because your older/wiser self doesn’t cast its own new vision to take its place.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yeah, that definitely is part of the problem. The more desensitised we become about the world around us the less we create dreams for the future. Life becomes quite stale because of that and we end up missing our past selves.

      Reply
      1. dustyreviewer Avatar
        dustyreviewer

        Well said!

        Reply
  39. R Carter Avatar
    R Carter

    Great poem and very relatable it’s so true we always think back to our younger selves when things seemed simpler and not knowing the things that we know now and also great to see how far we have come and how much we have grown

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you and yes I think many of us do that.

      Reply
  40. Dr. Vaishali ( PT ) Avatar
    Dr. Vaishali ( PT )

    Amazing 😍

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thank you 😊

      Reply
  41. digitalish9 Avatar
    digitalish9

    Living in present forget past and future is tough but I think concentration on present work load can help to forget all and that can take to good future.

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Yes, I think concentrating on the present can really help. Still once in a while we think of the past. And I think that’s the best case scenario.

      Reply
  42. Tom Avatar
    Tom

    Very powerful piece on the benefits of both perspectives – nostalgia can be so restricting if you get sucked down that anxiety rabbit hole of mourning past regrets and ‘what if’ alternatives, but knowing how far you’ve matured since then can be a big comfort too 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pooja G Avatar
      Pooja G

      Thanks so much. True, spending too much time thinking of the past is damaging but remembering how much we’ve grown helps a lot. I think it’s a more healthy way to think of the past rather than missing it too much.

      Reply
      1. Tom Avatar
        Tom

        Very true. Everything in moderation. 🙂

        Reply

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