“Sometimes, in order to be happy in the present moment, you have to be willing to give up hope for a better past.” ~ Robert Holden, PhD.
We all have a history and a story. We can’t change the past but we can change how we allow it to affect our present. We can choose how we tell our story. Many people have victim stories that they tell but they don’t learn from the past or take responsibility for their role in creating the experience.
Even when we were hurt by the consequences of other’s choices we can still have power over how we choose to experience it today. Maybe when we were going through it we did not have the resources to deal with it, perhaps we were a child, but now we are not in the situation anymore. It is the past, it is not happening now so it is not reality it is history. We don’t have to continue to give our power away to it.
When we waste so much time and energy wishing things were different, wishing that it never happened, that is more life you and power we are giving to the experience, the person or the situation that hurt us. Horrible things happen but not releasing the past, not forgiving and not letting go of illusion that things could have been different will only steal your present.
“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.” ~ Lao Tzu
Whatever your experience is I know how hard it is to move on but I challenge you to stop looking back and learn to enjoy the moments around you, each moment is a gift that is why they call it the present. I have had to overcome many hurts but I would not change a thing because I love who I am and who I am becoming so much, every experience has brought me to this place, right now. I challenge you to live now to create the future you want and enjoy the ride along the way. If you need help navigating the journey contact me, I can help. I want to help you live a fully empowered joyful life!
This is soooo beautiful Maria! I spotted the title on the UBC page and was drawn immediately! You are absolutely right, the past can be an energy and well, an entire life drainer if we let it! It’s all about being here. now. no regrets! What a nicely written reminder, thank you for making my evening 🙂 And both of those quotes are WOW! 🙂
Thanks. My purpose in life is to inspire and empower women. As a victor over abuse and rape I learned that you can turn being a victim into victory. It can be the impetus to make your life extraordinary if you let it. I don’t like the term survivor it implies you just got by. I think victor is so much more empowering. There is nothing we cannot overcome and use to learn to love and respect ourselves more in the process. Live juicy! Namaste
What a wonderful post, and definitely true. The past is a part of us whether we like it or not but how we deal with it will help our present and future selves.