By Magda El Dada | Staff Writer
We exist in captured moments, in seconds that extend to eternities. Our coexistence with different versions of ourselves is what makes us sophisticated beings, intricately layered with years upon years of experiences and lessons. Only when we grow aware of the little humans in our minds – the young child whose dreams know no boundary, the teenager grappling with their self-worth, the graduate whose sweat and tears yield fruit at last, and countless others – can we finally begin to understand who we are and what it is that we aspire to achieve.
In the 9th grade, I suddenly found myself at rock bottom, entrapped in the manacles of a perfectionist whose self-fulfillment lay beyond reach. It felt as though the universe were out to get me, and the ripped classroom notes scattered across my bedroom stood as a testament to my exhaustion of feeling like I was constantly falling short. Then, for a fraction of a second, the image of myself in a cap and gown flashed before my eyes. In my head, the graduate smiled and accepted her diploma with the pride of a fighter whose scars she openly embraced. With the thought of her so vivid in my mind, I picked up my camera and pressed record. The words that spilled out of me at that moment were not directed at myself, but at the me with the well-earned scars whom I greatly aspired to be.
Only then did a life-altering revelation dawn on me: by physically bridging the gap between our past, present and future identities, we unravel this sense of harmony that allows us to restore our purpose whenever we are met by failure or a loss of our drive. I realized the significance of preserving my multifaceted identity, not just fresh in my memory and imagination but also alive on paper and film.
For four years since, I have videotaped my way through every pivotal moment that would eventually contribute to my shaping: the night before term exams, the breakdown after a below-average grade, the self-reflection after a rough day, the heartbreak after a goodbye… Baring my soul to the girl or woman on the other side watching has become my emotional sanctuary. Everything I do is laced with the hope that she is proud of me for keeping it together for her – for us.
Our past selves serve as a reminder of why we do what we do. Subconsciously, recollections of past endeavors and skills that have accumulated over the years resurface and ultimately provide the grounds for a present self-concept. By resorting to writings or footage from our younger selves, we are able to correlate the surge of emotions that drives us forward with the faces that once dreamt and continue to dream. Imagine a conversation with the you that fantasized about the life you live now. Imagine the hope embedded in the details of their face, their innocent voice, and the admiration in their eyes. Imagine the self-reassurance of having yourself as a blindly trusting impetus that smiles at your smallest successes and is inspired even by the flaws in your plan. There is no stronger motivation than the faith that comes from the little child within you.
A bridge between your different versions on the timeline goes both ways – we are in need of our “possible selves” just as our pasts latch on to the idea of us. Our future selves anchor our aspirations onto firm grounds with the promise of a desirable outcome regardless of the pathways pursued. This concept is even scientifically supported by the phenomenon of temporal distancing – reflecting on your current situation from the perspective of yourself in the future supports a boost in positive emotions and ultimately strengthens your goal-oriented lifestyle (Parker, 2023). Our possible selves embody the fluidity of our human nature, the infinite realms through which our minds and hearts can wander passionately and without regret. While reminiscing and learning from our pasts provide us with the coal for a prosperous life, it is the idea of our countless possible futures that resonate our focused flames toward extents that know no limit. Therefore, in essence, communicating with the version of yourself you aspire to is complementing your sense of oneness with all the experiences that constitute your present state.
We are the culmination of our efforts throughout the years, constantly redefining our narratives to fit the vision best suited for our dreams – the dreams we once painted onto the walls of the classroom, the dreams we sacrificed bits of our sanity for, and the dreams that make life a little more worth living. While the timeline of our existence is linear, we must acknowledge it as the clash of infinite points, each a version of ourselves strongly intertwined with its endlessly captured pasts and futures.
References
Parker, Holly. “Using Temporal Distancing to Cope with Stress – Psychology Today.” Psychology Today, 26 Mar. 2023, www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/your-future-self/202303/using-temporal-distancing-to-cope-with-stress.
This was beautiful.
speechless
Interesting read and I really loved “We are the culmination of our efforts throughout the years, constantly redefining our narratives to fit the vision best suited for our dreams”
I salute your efforts 👌
Wow a heavy read!
Your essay beautifully captures the dynamic interplay between our past, present, and future selves, emphasizing the impact of our aspirations on our current state. Your eloquent expression of the fluidity of human nature aligns with the fascinating idea of parallel universes (my field). Consider diving further into how these infinite realms might contribute to our understanding of potential selves across different dimensions, I’m so impressed..Great job! ❤️
lovely writing, and something i’ve been thinking about a lot recently. the mutability of our selves is a wonderful thing!
This is beyond words! A concept so eloquently expressed and a beautiful piece of art!
I love you!
Am the most proud mother in the world!
God bless u my Magui 🥰
What a beautiful reflection on the journey of self-discovery and the importance of connecting with our past, present, and future selves! It’s incredible how capturing moments, whether through writing or video, can help us make sense of our evolution and aspirations. This idea of bridging our different versions reminded me of how we also have the ability to explore new experiences and perspectives through different mediums in our everyday lives, like IPTV services. For example, apps like MagisTV offer us a chance to experience a variety of shows and channels, connecting us to stories and ideas that can inspire and shape our lives, much like the moments we reflect on. It’s all about engaging with the parts of ourselves we want to grow into, just as we embrace the past and future versions of who we are.
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What a profound reflection on the journey of self-discovery and the significance of connecting with our past, present, and future selves! Capturing moments—whether through writing, video, or other mediums—allows us to understand our growth and aspirations more deeply. This idea of bridging different versions of ourselves also extends to how we explore new experiences and perspectives in our daily lives. For instance, IPTV services like MagisTV provide access to a diverse range of shows and channels, immersing us in stories and ideas that can inspire and shape our journeys. Just as we reflect on our evolution, embracing new perspectives helps us engage with the versions of ourselves we aspire to become. MagisTV
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Magda El Dada’s exploration of connecting past, present, and future selves through video resonates powerfully. Her practice of documenting pivotal moments mirrors how platforms like Youcine empower individuals to preserve and reflect on their journeys. By creating a visual archive of growth—whether struggles, breakthroughs, or quiet reflections—we bridge temporal divides, much like the author’s graduate self became a beacon for her younger self.
In the same way MagisTV APK provides access to vast stories, experiences, and emotions, it highlights the importance of embracing all versions of ourselves. Whether it’s watching live sports or movies that evoke nostalgia, the app offers a space for introspection. Just as I once used my camera to document my own journey, platforms like Magis TV offer a narrative that allows individuals to reflect on their own pasts and anticipate their futures. Through media and storytelling, we can reimagine our identities and discover the motivations that propel us forward in life.
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