It’s a sudden breeze in the wind that brushes against your skin, and in that moment, you appreciate where you are.

Not just the location but in life and what you have encountered along the way. The gratitude washes over you like a tidal wave. This type of gratitude is only obtained when you finally learn to let go of what is no longer serving you any purpose. We are not victims to our previous circumstances. It’s our given right to not let the past interfere with our future. The trick is accepting and letting go of whatever is a hindrance to you.

You are granted a certain amount of time. Whether the time period is excessive or minimal, the choice to grow from what we experience is our own. You have the choice to make the most of whatever situations you encounter.

It is in human nature to have an inner desire drawn to the things towards which we gravitate. Some of these ­things can be labeled as attachments and are more hindering than helpful. These attributes mostly stem from past experiences that cause stress to the overall well being. However, sometimes these attachments are actually contributing in an indirect way.

If we didn’t have attachments or stress, it would wreck more havoc for us as opposed to not having any at all. When you look at your attachments as a process, it can help you remove the stress around those habits. The human body responds to most addictions and attachments with dependence, much like a person who is dependent upon alcohol, drugs or food.

This means that there is a withdrawal part to the process of letting go whatever it is that hurts you, which can be painful at times. Removing the stress and personal pressure we put on ourselves is one small step that can transform the patterns and help you move on from the past.

Think about your own life and what you haven’t been able to let go of. Instead of looking at your situation as bad, turn it into a learning experience. Be positive about the situation because it’s helping you learn more.

Most people have had first hand experience with the after effects of a painful past. Everyone handles their journey differently, but at the end of the day, nearly everyone shares the same emotions. In order to fully become the person you envision yourself as, you have to learn to let go of the past and embrace the present. If you happen to slip into depression or feel trapped in an addiction, it may feel as if the world is caving in on you. In order to move forward, you have to pull out of the emotional state that seems to compromise your better judgment and release what is no longer serving you.

This process of learning to let go of what is hindering you not only strengthens you physically, mentally and spiritually, but it also serves as a way to develop greater self-love and appreciation for yourself.

Letting go of the worries and stress the past has caused does make a huge difference in the future. Your future self will not only thank you, but once the stresses and hardships are left behind, you will see that the negative emotions you once felt in those situations will soon disappear as well.

... So what are you ready to let go of?