Letting Go of Old Versions of Ourselves: A Lesson by the Sea

This week, I visited a place that has always felt like home, a sanctuary where I’ve long found peace. Cornwall has been a constant in my life since my husband and I first met; the sea has held me, soothed me, and reminded me of who I am.

But this time, something felt different.

On the first day, instead of the usual calm washing over me, I felt tension and unease. It was confusing, this was my happy place, so why didn’t I feel the shift I’d been longing for?

Instead of peace, I sensed resistance. Instead of feeling grounded, I felt unsettled.

It wasn’t until I stopped, listened to my body, and sat with those feelings that I understood what was happening. I had been chasing an old version of myself, one that no longer existed.

For years, my visits to Cornwall were tied to a version of me that ended each day with a drink in hand, soaking in the atmosphere with alcohol as my companion. But I am not that person anymore. I now choose sobriety, clarity, and presence. As soon as I arrived, my old conditioning surfaced, with familiar routines and patterns whispering of a past self.

Yet, I embraced new experiences: exploring new areas, enjoying coastal walks, and having simple fun on the beach. These moments allowed me to ground myself in the present, creating new memories that celebrated the woman I am today.

Sometimes, we don’t realise how much we’ve evolved until we return to familiar spaces and feel the contrast between who we were and who we are now. The old conditioning might whisper, the past might call, but we always have a choice: to honor our growth, stand in our truth, and fully embody the life we are creating.

This trip was a lesson in surrender, a reminder that peace doesn’t come from chasing the past, but from embracing the present, welcoming new experiences, and trusting where we are now.

Where in your life are you holding onto an old version of yourself? What happens when you pause, listen, and honor the person you are becoming?

I’m surprised by how much I needed this week, and I know that healing will always be a part of my journey for this I am truly grateful.

Vicky