What does it mean when you dream of an earlier time in your life?

The dream simply means that you are dreaming about your memories of that time. This is what dreams do; there is no further meaning. It may be that this is an anniversary of something special that happened at that time, or you may be involved in a relationship or issue that echoes your experience at that earlier time. Perhaps your mind is reminding you of your former mistakes so that you will not repeat them.