Rear View Wisdom

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.

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 busy 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.

So 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!

Positive Reflections:

“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

Music Corner:

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

“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.

Positively speaking, Sheri & Bill

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