#5: Lessons from the Past to Shape the Future

Note: This post is the first episode of Season 2 of the Retronify podcast, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other platforms. You can find the French version of this text [here].

Welcome to Retronify, a space where personal reflections and professional insights converge. Having spent years exploring the crossroads of human-centered design, storytelling, and strategic growth, I've created this platform to share the behind-the-scenes moments that shape meaningful work and authentic connections. Imagine yourself in a quiet corner, coffee in hand, where ideas flow like candid conversations. Together, we'll explore stories that challenge norms, experiences that spark curiosity, and the small details that drive big transformations.

A new year isn't just a change of date—it's an opportunity to reflect and refocus on what truly matters. But what does starting over mean? Is it about erasing the past, or is it about building on the lessons, stories, and connections we've gathered along the way?

In this post, we'll delve into how honoring our past shapes an authentic future. We'll revisit the roots of Retronify, reflect on J.K. Rowling's journey of perseverance, and consider how moments of stillness reconnect us to ourselves. We'll also explore the soothing melodies of Spiegel im Spiegel by Arvo Pärt and share a story of renewal.

Revisiting the Roots of Retronify

Retronify is more than an idea—it's a way to live mindfully in a world filled with constant demands. With endless notifications and growing to-do lists, it's easy to lose sight of what's truly important. Pausing gives us the chance to reconnect.

For me, pausing means stepping back from the noise—shutting down my laptop, silencing notifications, and finding inspiration. What does it look like for you?

When was the last time you fully disconnected? Perhaps you got lost in a book, enjoyed a peaceful walk, or had an uninterrupted conversation with someone you care about. These moments of presence embody the essence of Retronify.

Our philosophy blends the simplicity of the past with today's creativity. It's about striking a balance and staying authentic. Reflecting on history and personal experiences can guide us in the present and inspire us for the future.

What traditions or past practices bring you joy? Maybe it's a cherished family recipe, a hobby you once loved, or music that takes you back to a special moment. By revisiting these roots, we can enrich our modern lives with meaning and depth.

When we pause, we make room to hear our inner voice, rekindle forgotten passions, and align our actions with our values. This thoughtful approach helps us move forward with clarity and purpose, ensuring that new beginnings are rooted in what truly matters.

The Journey of J.K. Rowling: A Testament to Resilience

Few stories highlight the impact of small, steady efforts like that of J.K. Rowling. Long before becoming one of the most renowned authors of our time, Rowling faced challenges that many can relate to.

In the early 1990s, she was a single mother, recently divorced, and struggling to make ends meet. Unemployment and the weight of raising her daughter alone often left her feeling overwhelmed. Adding to her struggles, her manuscript was rejected multiple times.

Yet instead of giving up, Rowling turned to her passion for storytelling. Writing in small cafés with her daughter by her side, she carved out moments of creativity amidst her chaotic life. These weren't grand gestures—just simple, consistent actions toward her dream.

Imagine her in a bustling café, surrounded by the clatter of cups and the hum of conversations, finding peace in putting pen to paper. Each word she wrote was a step away from her struggles and a move toward her aspirations. These small acts became the foundation of her success.

Her journey wasn't marked by instant triumph but by resilience. Every rejection letter she received became part of her process, not its end. She refined her story, stayed committed, and kept moving forward.

Rowling's experience reminds us that starting over doesn't demand sweeping changes. Often, it's about small, consistent efforts—writing a page, dedicating time to a hobby, or nurturing a passion—that lead to meaningful transformation.

Think of a dream you've put aside. What small step could you take today? It could be as simple as ten minutes of writing, picking up a forgotten hobby, or reaching out to someone who inspires you.

Rowling's story encourages us to embrace persistence, trust the process, and believe that even the smallest efforts can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Embracing Simplicity: Arvo Pärt’s Spiegel im Spiegel

Music has a way of reaching our deepest emotions, and Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel beautifully embodies this connection through its simplicity and depth. Composed in 1978, the piece represents a pivotal moment in Pärt's artistic evolution.

The title, "Mirror in the Mirror," symbolizes endless reflections—a metaphor for introspection and self-awareness. The interplay between the piano and violin creates a tranquil, meditative experience, with each note given space to resonate and breathe.

Listening to this composition, its simplicity reminds us of the strength in small steps and quiet moments. The gentle, repetitive melodies encourage us to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with our inner selves.

Close your eyes as the music unfolds, and let each note envelop you. Feel the tension ease from your body, your breath steady, and your thoughts settle. In this calm, insights may emerge naturally, offering clarity and direction.

In our hectic lives, Spiegel im Spiegel becomes a sanctuary—a space to pause, reflect, and find balance. It reveals the beauty in simplicity and the richness that lies in minimalism.

The next time you seek calm, let this piece be your guide. Allow it to bring you back to your center, where possibilities and renewal await. By embracing such moments in daily life, we can cultivate peace and clarity that nurture personal growth.

A Story of Renewal: Rediscovering What Matters

Here's a story that captures the spirit of rediscovery and renewal—one that may resonate with anyone seeking to reconnect with their roots.

Louise inherited her grandparents' cabin, tucked away in a quiet forest of whispering pines. It had once been the backdrop of her happiest childhood memories—adventurous days exploring the woods and cozy evenings by the fire. But for years, the cabin stood abandoned, weathered by time and neglect after her grandparents' passing.

Life in the city had consumed Louise. The constant demands of work and the endless hum of technology left her feeling drained and disconnected. One crisp autumn morning, overwhelmed by the chaos, she decided to return to the cabin.

Driving along the winding road, nostalgia mingled with apprehension. The trees were ablaze with gold and crimson, framing the journey like a painting. When she arrived, the cabin stood as a forgotten relic, worn yet still welcoming, quietly beckoning her inside.

Stepping through the door, she was greeted by the scent of aged wood and the soft groan of floorboards underfoot. Dust floated in the sunbeams streaming through the windows, casting the space in a dreamlike glow. She began the careful work of restoring the cabin, each task grounding her and allowing space for reflection.

In the attic, she uncovered treasures from the past—a sketchbook filled with her grandmother's art, an old guitar she once played, and love-filled letters brimming with hope. These discoveries stirred long-buried memories and reawakened passions she thought she'd left behind.

One evening, seated by the newly restored fireplace, Louise strummed the guitar, the melody unlocking a joy she hadn't felt in years. Hours melted away as she sketched by candlelight, losing herself in the creative flow.

Restoring the cabin became a metaphor for her personal transformation. Each nail she hammered and each wall she painted was a step toward reconnecting with herself. Slowly, the weight of her city life lifted, replaced by a newfound sense of peace and clarity.

We all carry pieces of ourselves—memories, passions, dreams—waiting to be rediscovered. What calls you back to your center? Perhaps it's a forgotten hobby, a relationship worth nurturing, or a dream you've placed on hold.

Louise's story reminds us that sometimes the way forward is through the past. In revisiting the familiar, we find fresh inspiration for the future. By honoring where we come from, we can create a life aligned with who we truly are.

When the cabin was finally restored, Louise realized she, too, had been transformed. She chose to make it her permanent home, a sanctuary where she could live authentically, guided by the values and dreams she had reclaimed.

Her journey invites us to reflect on our own hidden treasures. What parts of your story are waiting to guide you toward your next chapter?

Embracing New Beginnings Rooted in Authenticity

Starting anew isn't about leaving the past behind—it's about embracing it and letting those experiences guide us forward.

The stories we've explored—J.K. Rowling's resilience, the reflective calm of Spiegel im Spiegel, and Louise's heartfelt return to her roots—demonstrate the profound impact of reconnecting with what matters most. They remind us of the strength, wisdom, and creativity we carry within, ready to be rediscovered.

What parts of your story could inspire your next steps? Is there a passion you've sidelined, a dream you've delayed, or a connection you long to rebuild? Perhaps now is the perfect moment to revisit them.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. If today's reflections resonated with you, I invite you to stay connected for more stories and insights. Let's continue to explore how embracing our past can shape an authentic and meaningful future.

Note: All the music featured in our podcast episodes is available in a Spotify playlist here. If you enjoy it, feel free to subscribe. Additionally, the J.K. Rowling interview referenced in this episode can be found here.