Who you were back then is not who you are right now.
You are wiser now. Braver. Stronger.
There’s nothing to gain from repeatedly crucifying yourself for past mistakes and bad experiences.
So you did, said, or allowed something you shouldn’t have. You messed up and it was BAD.
Fair enough, we’ve all been there.
I just have one question: Why are you still visiting that hurtful and embarrassing place?
Maybe you haven’t worked through it yet. Maybe there’s a lesson yearning to be learned. Maybe you’re yet to forgive yourself or whoever’s responsible. Maybe you feel such forgiveness isn’t an option.
Whatever the case, it’s imperative to be aware of the reasons behind your actions.
How can you outgrow your past if you don’t know why you’re still holding on in the first place? How can you “let it go” while unable to discern a tight grip like your life depended on it? How can you break free if you don’t realise your captivity?
There are no quick fixes, no speedy cures. Nobody knows how long it will take to cleanse your system and free your space for positive energy.
We do know, however, that whatever has happened to you is nowhere near as powerful as what can happen for you.
Facing what has come before will determine how you experience what can happen from now on. Work through it and open yourself up to feel and do and be so much more.
Freedom begins with intention. It continues with affirmative action. It culminates in definitive resolution.
You have to love yourself enough to stand tall and stop being a victim. Living in the past just keeps you trapped in the familiar and tricks you into believing there’s nothing beyond the narrow confines of the particular burden(s) you bear. But there is. There IS.
Choose to evolve rather than remain stagnant. Let a new beginning replace the same old ending. Grow with grace into mercy and redemption. Treat your past as a lesson, not a blueprint for your present and future.
We remain as we choose to be, and we can choose the ability to stand tall in spite of what has happened to us.
You can choose to free yourself from the shame and jettison the pain. You can decide to fashion a new way of life for yourself and be healthier, stronger. You can live beyond your past when you leave it behind you and centre yourself in this present moment.
Right here. Right now. This very moment. And the next, and the next.
Life can be beautiful if you let it.
“Treat your past as a lesson, not a blueprint for your present + future.”
Superb!
Thanks, Jen! Those words are true. 🙂