Dreams of Youth: My Journey to Now

In the quiet moments of life, I often find myself reflecting on the words from Yasujirō Ozu’s Equinox Flower: “But ever with us, are the dreams of our youth.” This sentiment lingers in my heart, both as a woman revisiting her own youthful aspirations and as a mother and teacher watching the dreams of the next generation take shape. Life, like an Ozu film, unfolds in seasons—each marked by transitions, reflections, and growth.

These seasons have shaped me in ways I’m still uncovering. I’ve experienced the bloom of discovery, the heat of transformation, and the quiet dormancy of rest. My journey through hormonal balance, perimenopause, and even the adrenal fatigue that follows life’s relentless pace, has mirrored these cycles. Each phase has been a teacher, reminding me of the beauty in embracing change and the strength found in adapting to life’s rhythm. The subtle ebb and flow of energy, emotions, and health remind me of the importance of balance—how crucial it is to honor the body’s need for rest while continuing to chase those youthful dreams that never quite fade away.

As with Ozu’s seasonal films, there’s a contemplative rhythm to my life’s story. I’ve worn many hats—each one adding depth and texture to my life’s journey. Motherhood, aesthetics, teaching, and future dreams of travel have all been woven into my path, but they’re not just roles. They’re glimpses of who I am, pieces of a puzzle that I’m still assembling. This life reveals the beauty in stillness and the stories woven into everyday moments. Peeling back the layers of these moments reveals how they’ve defined and redefined me. Each season offers its own lessons, its own opportunities to grow, reflect, and move forward.

What’s most striking about this journey is the constant balancing act. I’ve learned to navigate the push and pull between personal growth and the responsibilities I carry. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise of the world, in the constant rush to be and do more. But the dreams of my youth have taught me the value of pausing, of embracing the quiet moments that allow for reflection and renewal. There is power in slowing down, in living more intentionally. This is something I try to embody in my own life and hope to share with those around me.

The process of self-discovery is ongoing. There are days when I feel lost in the transitions, wondering where the path is leading, and other days when the clarity of purpose shines through, like a burst of sunlight after a storm. But in each moment, I find that the dreams of my youth continue to guide me—sometimes softly, sometimes boldly—reminding me that no matter where life takes me, there’s beauty in the journey itself.

I hold this space as a creative refuge, a place to delve deeper into my state of being and continue to evolve. My hope is that through sharing my experiences, others might find resonance in their own stories. So here’s to the dreams of our youth, to the wisdom that comes with age, and to the beauty of the now. Thank you for visiting me here and sharing in this journey.

xo – taraocity