At almost sixty, I find myself looking back, and in doing so, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of who I am today, who my true friends were, and who I loved most—and who loved me back. While I firmly believe that focusing on the future and moving forward is the best way to live, I also recognize that, from time to time, it’s important to pause and reflect. Looking back allows us to see how far we’ve come, and helps us make sense of things that once seemed confusing. Regrets, which once felt like heavy burdens, begin to fade as we realize they were shaped by the knowledge we had at the time.

As Steve Jobs once said, only by looking back can we connect the dots of our lives. And as Socrates wisely noted, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Both of these thoughts resonate deeply with me now, as I reflect on the journey I’ve taken and the person I’ve become. By examining my past, I gain a renewed sense of clarity about myself and a renewed faith in the road ahead. Looking back doesn’t just bring comfort—it renews my hope and strengthens my belief that the future is still worth pursuing.