Then, Now & Next — What Do They Mean to Me?
Reading my past stories gave me some good insights on myself
I have written many stories about my past experiences, the present social problems, and creativity for the future.
Yesterday, a Medium writer emailed me about putting one of my past stories on her “List of Stories That Inspired Me”. Not only did it make me happy, it also sparked me to look more at my own past stories for inspiration. There are many readers who have commented on my stories, and put some on their “lists”. But, she said “inspired” her. It is a great idea. Have you looked at your past stories for inspiration in the present?
Then: I wrote about my connection to Gen. Z on sustainability, saving money, and global concerns.
Now: Looking back, I realize I am quite different from Gen. Z. They are more consumers, and I have been more a maker/manufacturer, even though my processes were very sustainable. There is much distain in the young for the business of manufacturing clothing.
Next: There is not much hope for manufacturing, especially for my industry, fashion clothing. Although I have been looking for some hope, I do not see it. Although I could have done something if I was 20 to 50 years younger — not today at 90. Although I write about it, I am not famous enough now to be listened to. So, I am very sad for my beloved industry.
Then: What Balance meant to me. After a spiritual awakening in 1975, I took on concerned feelings for more circles of people around me, until I was concerned about problems in all of Humanity. I wanted to help solve other’s and society’s problems, even though I was advised, “Take care of yourself first”. I talked a lot about knowing myself, but I was not really doing it.
Now: I said something meaningful for today, “Balancing is a process, not a result”. I have had great difficulty reducing all the concerns I have for others and the world. It is still a work in process to rid myself on thinking so much of some things and people.
Next: Reducing everything in my life is continual — clothing is hardest because I designed it — books — paper clippings — massive savings on my computer desktop, etc.
Then: “Comparing Design in Many Industries. I was honored to represent the fashion industry as one of four “expert witnesses” and presenters of various industries at MIT.
It was thrilling to be so recognized, and my design ideas were accepted, by the other industries there. And there were a few readers on Medium.com that accepted my ideas too.
Now: That was in 2004 at MIT, and the story about it in 2023. I felt so connected to the tech and engineering world, but the fashion industry has never accepted me, even though academia has. It is an awful feeling not to be accepted by my industry. It’s takes a toll when accepted at some time by some people and then it is gone.
Next: I do not have any next. How do others handle being so accepted one minute and not the next? I have simply left some of these things behind. But it does get lonely when you have less and less in common with the world. But I do have some wonderful friends on Medium.com that help to keep me going.
Thank you for reading. I learned a lot by going back to my stories. I would love to read others who write about learning and changes from their past stories. Love to all.
