How Living in the Past Keeps Us Stuck
Learning to let go of the past is a necessity for building a new future. — Janie J
Why do we do it? It seems like there are three places to be — the past, the present and the future. Our mind is often preoccupied with the past or future, but seldom the present.
We tend to ruminate about all those unfortunate or painful events in the past. We mull them over, contemplating what we could have done differently, or what better choices we could have made.
We often assign blame to others for past circumstances. We even commiserate with others about how things were completely out of our hands, whether it was due to a freak accident, unpredictable weather, or a major catastrophe. We seem to love pity parties!
These actions tend to keep us “stuck” in the past, unable to move forward. Too much doom and gloom smother any spark that might ignite some actions to move past our misery.
Reflection on past events and choices and circumstances are good for one’s personal growth. We can learn what works and what doesn’t work. Reflecting helps us muster up the fortitude and determination to try again, even harder, as long as we learn how to eventually leave the past where it belongs — in the past.
At some point we must learn to acknowledge the past and our part in it, so we can start on a new path towards a future we consciously want to build. We might not be able to control everything that happened in our past, but we can control how we react or respond to it, thus shaping our future.
The good news is that it’s up to us! We are better served when we take control of our past and use it to shape the future we truly desire.
Janie J is the author of “Live the Life You Have Imagined,” “Single and Sixty,” “The Unimagined Awakening” and The New I Am Document, Volume 1.”
She began writing books after a spiritual awakening let her tap into universal wisdom. Her mission is to help others live a life of more joy and understanding and to raise the consciousness of all humankind. Get started on your own journey with a free copy of the Connect to Transform Process at www.TheNewIAMMovement.com/transform.
