Mirrors and Metaphors: A Reflection on Life

Sheri and Bill Eppright
Jul 30
4 min read

Updated: Sep 17

Leaning out the car window and smiling at your reflection in the mirror is one of those caught-in-the-act-of-living moments that got us thinking about mirrors.

So, where’s the metaphor about mirrors, you ask? (You know us – we always have a metaphor!) Mirrors—at least rearview mirrors—remind us that while forward motion matters, our past travels with us, offering perspective.

The rearview mirror shows what’s behind us—like poor choices, life lessons, and that guy tailgating our dreams. But it’s not the best place to set our gaze if we are trying to get anywhere exciting. We can only look in the mirror for so long; then it’s time to get back on the road.

Sheri: I am learning that the mirror is for quick checks only; not for lingering. Life moves forward, and so should we.

Bill: I respect the past. It taught me most of what I know (and a few things I wish I didn’t). But if the rearview is doing all the talking, we may miss some current and future opportunities.

So, let’s look back, laugh a little, and learn a lot. But remember, forward is where the growth is. Objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear, but that doesn’t mean they get to ride shotgun.

The road ahead? It's wide open. Let’s roll!

“Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” — Søren Kierkegaard

“Look not mournfully into the past. It comes not back again. Wisely improve the present; it is thine.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The best mirror is an old friend.” — George Herbert

Positive Reflections: Embracing the Moments

Sheri: I cleaned out a drawer this week and found an old photo of us—not posed or particularly flattering, just a random snapshot. It made me smile, and I was glad I had saved it. It’s proof that our simplest moments often become the ones we treasure most. Joy is rarely staged; it sneaks in when we're just being ourselves.

Bill: We were backing out of a tight spot the other day—the old-fashioned way when you turn your head to check. It hit me: sometimes, the act of looking back keeps you from hitting something dumb. In life, too, a little rearview awareness goes a long way—especially if we are driving a metaphor.

The Importance of Reflection

Reflecting on our past can be a powerful tool. It helps us understand where we’ve been and how far we’ve come. But let’s not forget to balance that with a focus on the present and future.

When we look back, we can learn valuable lessons. We can see the mistakes we made and the triumphs we celebrated. But if we dwell too long in the past, we risk missing out on the beauty of now.

So, let’s cherish those memories, but let’s also keep our eyes on the horizon. The future is bright, and it’s waiting for us to embrace it.

Music is our Happy Place - Sheri & Bill — Music Corner - Sheri & Bill.

Music Corner: Nostalgia and Growth

This week, we are highlighting several songs that showcase nostalgia, perspective, change, and growth. Enjoy!

“In My Life” – The Beatles: A gentle, reflective look at the people and places that shape us.
“Already Gone” – Eagles: This track is a great mix of reflection and release, moving on from the past with clarity and a bit of attitude.
“These Are Days” – 10,000 Maniacs: Celebrates the present while honoring the journey.

Which songs did you think of? Music has a way of connecting us to our memories and emotions. It can uplift us and inspire us to keep moving forward.

Positively speaking, Sheri & Bill

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Lighthearted stories to entertain and inspire
Photos that bring moments to life
Poetry to leave you with a smile
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