If I Could Turn Back Time...
- Christine Coker
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Thursday Wisdom: If I Could Turn Back Time…
"I want to go back in time—not to change anything, but to feel something again."— Mercer
Photography courtesty of Dubs Shoots Copyright 2026
This week during our Wellness Circle Time at the Wise Centre, we explored a simple question that led to some powerful conversations.
If I could turn back time...
Everyone had a different answer.
One lady shared that she wished she had studied something different when she was younger. She felt that opportunity had passed her by. Another member gently suggested the Open University, reminding her that it's never too late to learn.
Someone else smiled and said they wished they had learned to roller skate.
The room laughed, but then someone asked...
"What's stopping you now?"
It made us think.
Sometimes the biggest barriers we face aren't the ones in front of us—they're the ones we've been carrying for years.
As the conversation unfolded, we began talking about the messages we receive as children. Perhaps we were told we weren't clever enough, confident enough, sporty enough or creative enough. Maybe those comments weren't meant to hurt us, but over time they quietly became part of the story we told ourselves.
Those childhood messages can grow into adult beliefs.
"I couldn't possibly do that."
"I'm too old now."
"I'm not good enough."
"It's too late."
Without even realizing it, we begin placing barriers in front of ourselves—not because they're really there, but because somewhere along the way we learned to believe they were.
Yet our conversation reminded us that those beliefs don't have to define the rest of our lives.
Perhaps we can't turn back time...
But we can challenge the stories we've carried with us.
We can choose to learn something new.
We can take up a hobby we've always wanted to try.
We can become kinder to ourselves than the voices that once made us doubt.
That's why this quote resonated with me:
"I want to go back in time—not to change anything, but to feel something again."
Maybe it's not the past we're longing for.
Maybe we're longing to rediscover hope, confidence, joy and possibility.
That's exactly why I love our Monday mornings at the Wise Centre.
Every Monday from 10:30am until 12:00pm, we come together for a friendly Chair-Based Exercise class that includes strength, balance and light cardio. Although it's chair-based, don't be fooled—you can still get quite puffed! The chair simply provides support where needed, and every exercise is adapted to suit your own ability, so everyone can take part safely and confidently.
Afterwards, we enjoy complimentary fruit and water before gathering for Wellness Circle Time, where we explore conversations just like this one. It's a chance to share experiences, listen to one another and be reminded that we're not alone.
If you can't make it exactly for 10:30am, don't worry. Even if you arrive around 11:00am, you're very welcome to join us. The morning is relaxed and informal, and carers are welcome too.
Wise Centre
New Building Alric Avenue
Harlesden
So this week, instead of asking, "If I could turn back time…", perhaps ask yourself a different question...
"What's one thing I've always wanted to do—and what's stopping me now?"
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