Can you ever simply… go back? The quick answer to this is ‘no’. Because change is happening constantly, though rate of change does vary, what was no longer is in the form it was. The new requires a new discovery, a new response. And when we are talking about people – it will require an adjustment. However, the longer answer is ‘yes’ – as long as you don’t expect what was to be what is and are willing to make the new discoveries.
There is some advantage to going back… when it’s to people. Both good and difficult, you aren’t required to forge new relationships. First, at least you do know them as they were which gives a kind of foundation to build upon. However, they may not be totally aware that they too must not make assumptions on who you are now. While the first meetings may be awkward, there is a kind of familiarity that is ‘comforting’.
Obviously, the most important question is – why are you going back? What compels you to return? Nostalgia? To finish an uncompleted ‘business’? New challenge? Escape? There really are countless reasons that one attempts to go back but you need to know why you are. Hovering around the edges of these questions is – for how long? Permanent? And if transient, what do you want to happen?
Going back is bittersweet. It can update your memory bank. It can reintroduce you to people that once were part of your life. It has all sorts of ‘power’ (influence). However, you can never recreate then – it would be a mistake to try. Enjoy the new and you will find that you really can… go back.
