How Much Life Changes in 5 Years

Hey up, now then everyone, welcome to Beginner English with James. This podcast will help you understand English step by step. I speak very slowly using simple words so you can understand. If this is too easy, listen to slow English with James for intermediates. After, try everyday English with James for advanced learners. All three podcasts tell the same story, so you can listen again at a harder level and learn more. Read along with the transcript, it helps you understand better. The transcript has questions to check your understanding. Important words, grammar and digital flashcards to help you remember the words. Get it on Patreon from €3 a month or on Gumroad for €1. All links are in the description. Now, let's begin. Today, I want to share a story. Something that happened recently that made me think a lot. It was one of those moments where the past and present suddenly meet and time catches up with you. Not long ago, I took over a class at my school. One of the teachers was sick, so I had to teach her students for a few weeks. It was no problem, I have done this many times before. On the first day, like always, I looked around the room, studying the students' faces and their little habits. I'm very bad with names, I forget them really quickly, but I have a trick that helps. I connect their names to something about them, like a piercing, a strong nose, a hairstyle or even the way they move. Then, two girls walked in and something felt strange. Their names sounded familiar, but I didn't know why. Maybe they had the same names as some celebrities. I asked them directly, "Why do your names sound familiar?" Their answer surprised me. "You taught us five years ago, we remember you." For a moment, my brain stopped. "Five years?" I looked at them, trying to see the kids I used to know. I asked them which class they were in, and when they answered, the memories came back. Back in 2019, they were just kids, only 9 or 10 years old, full of energy, always playing around. They used to try to make me say Spanish words and laughed when I did. They played little jokes to make each other giggle, like all kids. And now, now they are 15 or 16 years old, taller, quieter, more serious, studying for exams, thinking about their future, growing up. Seeing them again shocked me. It brought back old memories I had not thought about in years. The truth is, my life has changed so much since I last taught them. And yet, I was there, in front of them again, giving an English lesson, like nothing had changed. Later, I thought about it more. Have you ever wished you could sit down with your past self, have a coffee, and just talk? Maybe give advice, warn them, reassure them, or just listen. Of course, we can't do that in real life, but this was the closest thing to meeting myself from 5 years ago. Maybe you have had a moment like this too. Maybe you met an old friend after many years, and suddenly realised how much they had changed. Their hair might be greyer, their face might have more wrinkles, they might even be wiser. Or maybe you visited a place from your childhood and felt nostalgia, like wearing an old pair of shoes that don't fit anymore, or playing a video game that isn't as fun as before. For me, this moment was like looking clearly into the past. 5 years ago, I was 24. I had just moved to a new country. I didn't speak the language. Every day was full of mistakes and new experiences. Back then, I was reckless. I didn't plan anything. I jumped into things without thinking. And honestly, I still do. But now, at least, I try to control it. 5 years ago, I didn't know what I wanted, where I was going, or what life I wanted to live. I still don't have the answers, but I have tried many things, made many mistakes, and I feel like I am closer to something that feels right for me. This moment made me think about everything. Old friends, past relationships, struggles, happy moments, hard times, and all the little experiences that shaped who I am today. It's interesting how life changes in some ways, but stays the same in others. Every time I visit my hometown, I see new buildings where there used to be nothing. The world keeps changing, but some things never change. Our lives feel like a storm, always moving and changing, but in other places, life moves at its own slow, steady pace. Seeing the girls made me think about how our lives are like two different paths. I went one way and changed many times. They went another way and grew up. And then, 5 years later, our paths met again. Some people say that moments like this happen for a reason. In the last 5 years, I have had good and bad relationships. I have made great friends and lost touch with others. I have struggled, I have succeeded, I have even thought about leaving my life abroad behind more than once. But I'm still me, the same person, just with more stories, more experiences, and hopefully, a little more wisdom. So, what about you? If you met yourself from 5 years ago, what would you say? Would your past self be proud? Have you lived the life you wanted? And are you happy where you are now? Talk very much, everybody. Thank you for listening to Beginner English with James. Remember, find this episode's transcript on my Patreon or Gumroad. Read along as I speak. Learn the words that I use. Use the flashcards to practise the words. The links are in the description. Thank you very much to all my members and patrons who have already subscribed. That's all for today. See you in the next episode. Until then, ta-da! See thee, fare well, goodbye, and have a wonderful day.