What Does It Mean to Be Our Best Selves

I recently read the book The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. There was a sentence near the end of the book that really made me stop and ponder.

“We were all so young, you know. We were still our best selves.”

I re-read that sentence several times as it evoked a lot of emotions. It equates being your best self only when you are young and I’m not buying it. Yes, youth is full of possibilities, naivety, and enthusiasm. But I refuse to believe that our best selves are behind us as I commit to continuing to build a meaningful life every day. Yes, my past experiences are the building blocks, but that’s just it, the foundation is laid, there is still plenty of self to best.

I haven’t achieved everything I want to do in this life. The reality is, I never will. However, having a lust for experiences has no expiration date and I believe my best self constantly evolves.

No Time Frame to Be Your Best Self

Your best self isn’t limited to any sort of time frame. Youth does have some advantages, but so does the wisdom that comes with aging. I am the first to admit that sometimes I wish I could return to my younger self to re-live certain experiences. As I have matured, I have come to understand that life is about moving forward, and while there were some wonderful things that occurred in the past, there are still marvelous things that can occur in the future. That is what we can never lose sight of.

Be Open to the Process

Life lessons are continual, and I even shock myself sometimes with some of the new things I am learning. I learn from those younger than me, as well as those who are older. The important thing is to make sure you are open to it.

Becoming your best self is an on-going process. While your litheness may have slowed down, that doesn’t mean the rest of you has to. I hope to make lasting memories in all years with my best self continually emerging.

Your Best Self Doesn’t Always Mean Winning

Importantly, being your best self does not always mean winning. Rather, it means advancing yourself by learning new skills, challenging yourself mentally and physically, opening up to new experiences, and yes, pampering yourself. Committing to better habits goes a long way.

I can’t really point to a time where I could say I was my best self. Yes, I was quicker or more graceful, received accolades for my work, but my best self isn’t a single time or place. It’s simply a way of being that changes from one day to another.

So Ms. Patchett, while I loved your book, being your best self doesn’t only occur in youth. You are never stagnant in this regard. Throughout life, you will have experiences, some better than others, but for me, your best self is a mindset that, like the galaxy, is constantly in motion.

What Are Your Thoughts?

Do you continue to strive to be your best self? How are you working toward becoming your best self? Is your best self in the past?