Many individuals reflect on their experiences with Calculus 1, noting that concepts which once seemed challenging become intuitive over time, especially after advancing to higher-level math. The discussion highlights the transition from needing to write out detailed steps for derivatives and the chain rule to performing these calculations mentally with ease. Participants emphasize that what was once daunting, like the delta-epsilon definition of limits, becomes a practical tool with familiarity. One contributor, who returned to math after a four-year hiatus, expresses confidence in their ability to excel in Calculus 1 now, suggesting that the foundational skills gained make subsequent courses, like Calculus II, feel significantly easier. The overall sentiment is that with practice and exposure, complex mathematical concepts can become manageable and even second nature.