The Moment I Realized I Had Outgrown My Past Self
When a Joke Hits Too Close to Home
My buddy sent a video in our group chat the other day of a show with two hosts and commented that "Chris was ‘X’ guy." I watched the video and laughed, but after a while, I found myself unable to shake the comment. The host I was supposedly like made comments that weren’t well thought out, making him sound unintelligent. To be fair, the show and its hosts have done an amazing job growing their platform, which now has thousands of followers. Their format thrives on jokes, laughter, and conversations that entertain but don’t necessarily move people forward. It’s all fun and games—until you become the butt of the joke.
Facing My Own Reflection
As I reflected, I realized my insecurities had surfaced. No matter how much work I’ve done to become the man I am today, it doesn’t erase the fact that I wasn’t always this person. And that’s when it clicked. My buddy meant no harm in sending the video. There was a time when I spoke without thinking—when my pride and ego doubled down, even when I knew I was wrong. Wisdom comes from being slow to speak and quick to listen.
The Reminder of Who I Used to Be
I’m not going to share the name of the show or the host—because, frankly, that doesn’t matter. What mattered was the realization I had at 3 AM, staring at the ceiling. My friend was right. When we met in college and throughout our 20s, there were countless times when my intelligence or maturity was questioned. The offense I initially felt wasn’t about the comment itself—it was a reminder of where I had come from. Growth isn’t just about recognizing progress; it’s also about acknowledging the versions of ourselves that led us here. And that isn’t always easy to accept.
Grace: The Key to Growth
This is where grace comes in. Grace for ourselves, knowing we aren’t perfect, but also knowing that doesn’t mean we can’t grow. I always encourage people to strive for their best selves—not because perfection is attainable, but because the lessons are in the journey, not the destination.
The Power of Acceptance
After reflection comes a choice: acceptance or denial. Growth begins with accepting the truth of our reality, no matter how uncomfortable it may be. I’m grateful for the friends and family who remind me of my past because it gives me an opportunity to reflect and humble myself. I know who I am today. I’ve done the work, even when it wasn’t easy. The pressure was painful, but I had a vision to leave this world better than I found it. No one had to tell me I wasn’t operating at my highest level. I knew it. I felt it. That’s why I drank, smoked, and sought validation in all the wrong places. Healing meant reclaiming my power, setting a new standard, and saying no to things that no longer served me.
When Will You Upgrade to 2.0?
You’ve been operating on your 1.0 version for years—when will you upgrade to the 2.0 version of yourself? The healed version of you. Everything you’ve wanted—love, joy, peace—has been waiting for you. But you have to start. Don’t let another year pass making excuses for why you aren’t where you want to be. You owe it to yourself. You are stronger than your struggles. You are better than your past. You are no longer bound by outdated programming. Those vices aren’t strong enough to stop you from becoming who you were created to be.
Start Today. Not Tomorrow.
So get started. What can you do today to bring yourself one step closer to your 2.0? Write it down. Put it somewhere you’ll see it every day. Speak it out loud. The Bible says, "Ask and you shall receive." No matter your faith background, the universe rewards those who take action. You are part of an infinite creation—one that produces new stars, new galaxies, and new possibilities endlessly. You are limitless. What’s holding you back? Only you know the answer. But know this—you are not alone. Millions of people are doing the necessary work to evolve into their best selves. Tap into that energy.
It Starts With You. I love ya’ll. Peace.
#mentallyshredded
