I’ve been reflecting on how often we seem to encounter the same situations, lessons, or feelings, as if life keeps replaying old themes. It’s tempting to label these experiences—patterns, lessons, déjà vu—but whatever we call them, they often hold valuable insights.

Recently, I’ve noticed how quickly my mind drifts into the past when something feels familiar. It’s almost automatic. A situation arises, and suddenly I’m replaying old memories or reliving past outcomes that resonate with the same emotional tone. Without realizing it, I’m no longer present. Instead of seeing this moment as it is, I filter it through an outdated lens, making it feel bigger, heavier, or more dramatic than it needs to be.

It’s as though I’m adding this new experience to a collection of stories that no longer serve me, magnifying its weight unnecessarily. And once I’m pulled out of the present, it’s hard not to focus on the parallels or expect the same results I’ve seen before. It feels like reading the next chapter of a book I’ve already finished.

Sometimes, these recurring situations really are patterns or beliefs coming up for change. They can be catalysts for action, prompting growth or deeper awareness. But lately, I’ve realized how much nuance I miss when I view the present solely through the lens of the past. Each moment has something unique to reveal—something aligned with who I am today, not who I was yesterday.

Here’s an example. Intuition is the compass I rely on for much of my life. It’s the water I swim in, a constant guide. And yet, every now and then, I ignore my internal knowing. When I do, the consequences are immediate—a missed opportunity, a difficult situation, or just the unsettling sense that I’ve strayed from my path.

What follows is a flood of memories. Times when I didn’t trust my intuition, when I doubted the energy I felt or dismissed it altogether. Some of these memories go back years, to a time before I even understood what intuition was. I find myself spiraling, trying to piece together a puzzle of past experiences that no longer need solving.

But here’s the truth: I’m not the same person I was back then. I’m not even the same person I was six months ago. So why am I trying to view today’s experiences through glasses with an expired prescription? What important details am I missing because I’m stuck in the past?

If I allowed these familiar-feeling moments to stand on their own, free from old stories and judgments, I might discover insights that reflect the person I’ve become—not the person I used to be.

Maybe these experiences repeat because they’re familiar. They’re the quickest way for us to recognize that something is off or in need of attention. But when we overlay them with self-judgment or old narratives, we lose the golden nuggets they have to offer.

So, what’s the alternative? For me, it’s about pausing and asking: What’s truly happening here? What am I adding from the past? It’s not always easy, but it’s helping me stay connected to the moment and open to the insights that are meant for me now.

What about you? Does this happen to you too? If so, how do you stay present and connected to the moment? I’d love to hear your thoughts.