You cannot change the past. It is done. Leave it behind you, rather than allowing it to anchor you in place and keep you from moving forward. There is hope in looking forward and freedom in letting go. You deserve to have both.
— Cyndie Spiegel
The past is a mighty anchor that can hold us back from living in the present moment. The past has such a stronghold on humanity that people become immobilized by it. I know it’s easy to harp on the past continuously. I know it’s challenging to feel regretful and hurt about your past. But if you’re still alive today, there is extraordinary freedom you can take advantage of, which is the power of choice.
The Power Of Choice
A catalytic and productive choice you can make today is to let go of your past.
If you disapprove of the choices you’ve made, make better ones. If you don’t like who you were yesterday, become someone else today. If you don’t like where you are in life, transition to a better place. But you can’t be productive and make wiser choices if you remain paralyzed from your past.
The past is permanent. The present is impermanent because it can change as you change.
When you find yourself ruminating on the past or having trouble accepting what is and has been, surrender. Surrender the anchors that are impeding upon your present and future. Do not allow yourself to become a slave to your past. Do not allow yourself to forget that so much opportunity, change, wonder, and magic can await you on the other side of your past: the present and your future.
2 Productive Ways to Reflect On Your Past
Our pasts can be filled with pain, sadness, and remorse. Instead of taking on these feelings again, understand why your past felt this way and determine how you can proceed forward most productively.
Instead of focusing on the negative parts of our pasts, focus on the good memories. But even then, don’t stay there for too long. Instead, create new memories in the present moment.
If You Still Struggle To Let Go of Your Past
Ask yourself the following questions if you’re still struggling to let go of your past:
What has living in the past done for me?
Am I more or less productive when I focus on my past?
What are the primary emotions I feel about my past?
How often do I think about my past?
Am I addicted to living in the past?
What would my life look like if I lived in the present?
What are all the good things taking place in my life today?
Ways to Help You Cease Living In The Past
Therapy
Talking with trusted friends and family
Reading self-help books
Journaling
Consistently engaging activities to help keep your mind productive
Goal setting
Destiny S. Harris is a writer, poet, entrepreneur, teacher, and techie who offers free books daily on amazon. Destiny obtained three degrees in political science, psychology, and women’s studies. Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, or @ destinyh.com