“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
-Mother Teresa A brand new year has arrived. We have a chance to wipe the slate clean and enter into a new chapter but some of us are still stuck in the events of our past. We are still consumed with what once was and how different things were ‘back then’… But what’s the sense in looking back? You can’t change anything about the past, not even a single second. It’s done, over, gone and finished. Your past should exist as a reference point, not a stumbling block on your path. This is especially true when we find ourselves looking back longingly at the past because it seems better than the present. You are completely robbing the present of its beauty and power because you are using all of your energy looking back at something that no longer exists. There is a reason why the windshield of a car is larger than the rearview mirror: What lies ahead of you is more important than what lies behind you. Everything you have experienced, all the mistakes you have made, every argument, all of it… it has all served you in some way. You need to be thankful for each and everything that you go through, even if it’s difficult and painful. Only look back on the past to reflect on your lessons… What did you learn? How is this situation serving you in the present? Do you understand what works for you and what doesn’t? Just don’t let the past hold you captive and keep you a prisoner. At any time you can set yourself free and start moving forward. Perhaps there is someone in your life that you have yet to forgive, as you find yourself still holding onto what they did to hurt you. Please try to understand that everyone is imperfect and likely to make mistakes…There is not one person who is perfect and even you have hurt someone at some point in your life. Referring to story in the Holy Bible where a woman had been caught in the act of adultery. She was to be stoned to death for her sin but during the chaotic scene, Jesus stepped up and spoke. He did not condemn or condone what the woman had done, but instead he said, “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Everyone slowly put down their stones and quietly walked away. Not one of the woman’s condemners were without sin. Everyone stumbles. Sometimes we hurt others in the midst of learning our lessons but surely everyone grows from these experiences. So moving into this new year, resolve to renounce your past. You cannot receive anything new while you are still filled up with yesterday’s stuff. Create space for grace! Simply put down the suitcase filled with baggage from last year or maybe even last lifetime! There is no need to carry it around any longer. Leave your grudges, hurt feelings, overdue forgiveness, limiting thoughts and judgments in the past where they belong. Bring all of your attention to the present moment and you will realize that there is nothing lacking, there is nothing wrong and there is no reason to continue living in the past. The present holds more than enough to fill you.
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