Looking back on our lives is okay in moderation, but if we spend all of our time focusing on the past, then we miss what is right in front of us. The past is called your past for a reason, meaning that it already happened and is behind you. I know so many people who have consumed themselves with the person that they have been in earlier years and end up restricting themselves from any effort to grow. We as human beings are meant to adapt and change over time, but we can’t do that if we aren’t looking in the right direction. The time to face forward is now.
Memories are nice and shouldn’t be forgotten, but they shouldn’t hinder the possibility of making new ones either. The past likes to draw us in with all of the good times that we have already experienced in the hopes that we will wish away our lives in order to go back to those moments. It is important to remember that life doesn’t stop and wait just because you want to look back. I, on occasion have found myself in a state of regret because I spent time wishing that I could go back a few years and then ended up missing out on opportunities that were right in front of me. Then I would waste even more time looking back on missing that opportunity, and before I knew it, a vicious cycle would form. There are many victims of this vicious cycle and breaking it seems impossible but all you have to do is step back, take a deep breath, and move forward with your mind.
Although most don’t like to admit it, people often retreat to their past because they are scared of what lies ahead. My best advice to you if you are one of those people is to work on opening your mind to the possibility of change. Change is something that we as a human population continually struggle with. I know I have a hard time adjusting to situations of that sort, but I remind myself that with change comes new adventures and experiences. The mind can be a very powerful influence and, when put to use, you’d be surprised at the growth and knowledge that you gain when opening it.
Who you were and what you experienced in the time leading up to right now is important to an extent. This being said, you must strive to unlock and improve yourself now in order to achieve your full potential. Put down that yearbook from high school. Put those trophies back on the shelf where they belong. Stop scrolling up in that text conversation to see what your relationship was like a year ago. The only person that cares about your past is you. Go out and experience life as it is happening now because it won’t be there forever. Your future will be bright as long as you keep moving forward.
