Sometimes it’s necessary to go back and look at — or listen to — stuff I’ve made or written or whatever in the past. Sometimes it’s not necessary but I do it anyway. It’s almost always a weird and disorienting experience. In two ways, sometimes both at once.
Of course there’s the “JFC I was so embarrassing” aspect. That’s just inevitable.
But all too often there’s also “how the hell did I do that?” Which is partly about knowledge and skills I’ve forgotten. But I think some of it is more about courage, or nerve, or just plain ignorance. Like, how did I dare attempt that, let alone pull it off?
I might be able to remember or relearn those skills. Ignorance and courage? Not so much.