We see the phrase “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear” nearly every day, printed on the side-view mirror of our car. But what if that message isn’t just about vehicles—it’s about life?
This thought hit me hard during my 2,642-mile walk across America. With more time than most people ever get to think, I found that many of the thoughts coming up weren’t new—they were old stories, old shame, and past wounds I thought I’d moved on from. Turns out, just because you’ve physically moved on doesn’t mean you’ve emotionally moved forward.
🚗 When You Think You’ve Moved On… But Haven’t
Back in college, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I was on track: I graduated second in my high school class, got into UC Davis’s competitive Animal Science program, and thought I was set. But within a year, I had nearly failed out. After a series of breakdowns, I changed my major to Agricultural Economics.
On paper, I “moved on.” I got my degree, built a business, and even became a life coach. But while walking across the country, those old wounds reopened. That sneaky voice whispered: “If you failed at that, maybe you’re just a failure.”
Time doesn’t always heal all wounds. Sometimes it just buries them.
🥾 The Arizona Reminder
Near the end of my walk, I stayed with two different vet techs. They were kind, inspiring, and full of the energy I once imagined for myself. Being around them brought it all back: the regret, the “what-ifs,” and the silent sting of dreams deferred.
But then I remembered something my podcast guest, Mike Imholt, once said. He wasn’t a heart surgeon, but he raised money for those who were. That message hit home.
Maybe I wasn’t the one treating animals anymore—but I was helping the people who help others. That’s my role now. That’s my mission.
🌲 There’s More Than One Way to Serve
You don’t have to play the exact part you once dreamed of to make an impact. If Plan A didn’t work out, Plan Q might still lead you to your purpose.
I realized that my path is still purposeful—even if it looks different than I once imagined.
🔍 Background Pain vs. Foreground Pain
Here’s the thing: pain that stays in the background doesn’t go away—it just gets sneakier. And if you’re constantly looking in your metaphorical rearview mirror, you’ll miss the wide-open opportunities ahead.
There’s a reason the windshield is bigger than the mirror.
If you find yourself overreacting to small things, avoiding certain people or topics, or hitting the same wall again and again—it might be time to stop and ask: What’s still riding shotgun that I haven’t let go of yet?
✍️ Rewrite the Story
One of the biggest tools that’s helped me is journaling. I learned to separate the situation from the story I was telling myself about it.
The situation? I switched majors. The story? I failed. But I get to rewrite that story. So do you.
🛑 Let It Ride Shotgun—But Don’t Let It Drive
Ignoring your past doesn’t make it go away. But inviting it into the front seat, acknowledging it, learning from it—that’s how you let it go at the next exit.
Let your story be seen. Let it be heard. Then let it go.
🚨 Signs the Past Might Still Be Steering
- You overreact to small triggers
- You avoid certain people, conversations, or decisions
- You keep finding yourself in the same painful patterns
If any of these sound familiar, it might be time to pause, reflect, and refocus.
👥 Coaching: The Blind Spot Mirror
One reason I became a coach is because coaching worked for me. My coach helped me identify the blind spots I couldn’t see on my own. Like a side mirror for the soul, coaching reflects what’s hidden—so you can stop driving in circles.
🔄 You Can Rewrite Your Story
You are allowed to feel the pain. You are allowed to rewrite the meaning of what happened. And you are allowed to move forward—with clarity, grace, and courage.
So let me ask you:
🔎 What’s still in your mirror?
If you’re ready to explore that question—or release what’s been holding you back—I’d love to help.
Click [here] to book a complimentary discovery session. Let’s shift from stuck to strong, together.
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🗣️ Remember: The best is yet to come—as long as you never settle, never quit, and never peak.
—Coach Ranger