Wednesday, June 2, 2004

THANKFUL FOR THE PAST

I've been thinking about my past today. Trying not to be too hard on myself. It is easy to be negative about past mistakes and unhappiness. But maybe it's better to look at ourselves and our past in the light of experience and growth.

Our past is a series of lessons that advance us to another level of living and loving. The relationships we entered, stayed in, or ended taught us necessary lessons.

I've come out of some painful circumstances with strong insights about who I am and what I want. Mistakes? Oh yes, many! Necessary! I guess so. Necessary for me to learn from the mistakes. Our frustrations, failures, and sometimes stumbling attempts at growth and progress? Necessary too. Each step of the way, we learned. We went through exactly the experiences we need to, to become who we are today. Each step of the way, we progressed. Is our past a mistake? No. The only mistake we can make is mistaking that for the truth.

Today, I ask for help to let go of negative thoughts I may be harboring about my past circumstances or relationships. I can accept, with gratitude, all that has brought me to today. One of my internet friends sent me this. I really liked it.

Allow Your Own Inner Light to Guide You

There comes a time when you must stand alone.

You must feel confident enough within yourself to follow your own dreams.

You must be willing to make sacrifices.

You must be capable of changing and rearranging your priorities so that your final goal can be achieved.

Sometimes, familiarity and comfort need to be challenged.

There are times when you must take a few extra chances and create your own realities.

Be strong enough to at least try to make your life better.

Be confident enough that you won't settle for a compromise just to get by.

Appreciate yourself by allowing yourself the opportunities to grow, develop,
and find your true sense of purpose in this life.

Don't stand in someone else's shadow when it's your sunlight that should lead the way.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our past and experiences are definitely what makes our life ours.   Your entry made me smile in that I feel we all need to experience those of what you mentioned. It is always better If we keep ourselves open to love than holding back because of fear of getting hurt.   We would be missing out if we avoided opening ourselves up to new circumstances.   Lessons are always neccessary.
The beauty of each day is that we can start anew.  
Carol

Anonymous said...

You have created a very beautiful entry here and I agree with all you say.

For many people thier pass is always holding them back as they have not yet opened up to it and allowed themselfs to remember and see that any harm or wrongs in thier pass are just there, in the past.

I think those that hold onto the bad things in thier lifes never really see the sunshine. No matter how bad or sad they may be, talk about it and let it go.

I would like to suggest that if you have such things in your pass, set and write them down on paper and then rip it up and put it in the trash can, you'll feel much better after. Trust me, this really works.

John G.

Anonymous said...

(((hugs))) don't think too much about the past.  instead think of your present.  personally, the Now has already past & the Future is a minute away.  I think you are a good person & if you past has made you this way then it's a good thing.  -=)

Anonymous said...

This was a good read.  We are defined by our past and all lessons and experiences.  They are who we are today.  I wouldn't change anything about my past.  I wouldn't want to alter my blessings.