Have you ever looked back on the good moments of your life and felt like you used to be better or good at something that you are currently struggling with? It is frustrating. I do it all the time.

For example, in June 2011, I hired a personal fitness trainer for the first time (Warning: I like to talk about fitness even outside my Fit Friday posts). The workouts and meal plan were all relatively new to me and I was so motivated to get fit and to not let my trainer down that I was more dedicated than I’ve ever been with any fitness plan. As a result, I saw changes to my physical appearance for the first time ever and became a true believer in the balance of healthy eating and regular, intense exercise. I have since decided to use the tools I’ve learned over the years to create my own plans and be my own trainer because it’s more flexible with my schedule (and more affordable). But I often struggle to find the same focus and motivation that I had when I had someone else to keep me accountable. Over and over I go through the ups and downs of believing in myself and then feeling like I’ve failed.

I often go through this same cycle of looking back in admiration on the moments when I thought I had it all figured out. The truth is, it’s all about perspective. Those moments that I remember being so happy, so dedicated or even just calm and accepting of my life–it wasn’t that I was better back then or different, it’s that I chose to look at those situations with a happy, dedicated or calm and accepting perspective. And if I want to be like my old self in that way, all it takes is a little reminder to choose my thoughts.

My inspiration for this post came from looking back at some of my old blog posts while updating some pages on my blog. I won’t lie, I’m glad some of those posts are buried, but when I look at them and read some of them, I remember what I was going through at the time and I see the girl who was excited to face her fear of starting a blog and sharing it with the world. And I often need to be reminded of that fresh, energetic perspective.

Inspiration doesn’t always come from finding (or buying) new things. Pinterest can be a time suck anyway and I’m sure we’ve all experienced a shopping splurge that ironically didn’t change our lives (money doesn’t buy happiness?!). Instead of looking for something new to add to your already noisy world, try looking back at yourself, whether on your blog, Instagram, Facebook, an old photo album or journal, and appreciate all the struggles and memories that have brought you to where you are today. What would your old self say to you if you bumped into her on the street? Give it some thought I am certain you will feel a calm, self acceptance of you who are holistically (not just today or lately) that will motivate you to be better. And it will feel better and more attainable than the idea of a “perfect” life ever could.