I used to look for some sort of guidance it the words of those before me. Guidance or perhaps they made me think about things I normally wouldn't. But lately, as I feel I have become more of my own and the image of what I want my tapestry to be like in my mind has formed, I don't seek them as much. Instead, I value the people around me more, them sharing their experiences, the time they have gifted me and the words of their wisdom.
My tapestry is full of alive colors and also has plenty of jet black in there. I can't say I am always happy with every thread that gets added in it, but I wouldn't be the same person today writing this comment without them.
Wisely spoken as someone who has lived some life, seen light and shade, happiness and sadness and everything in between. It's the way life goes.
I think, and I speak from my own perspective here, that those jet black threads merely give contrast to the colourful ones and makes them pop out a little more than otherwise they would.
Life has no recipe for success...it's just life. I like to think I can exert a little influence, shape it my way, but I like that it's also a little unpredictable. Like you suggest, if we hadn't lived our past, we wouldn't be who we are in the present and wouldn't be able to combine the two for our futures.
Thanks for your comment Ms. M, and I hope you've been very well.