Living In The Past – A Message From My Guides

Some people inadvertently choose to live in the past. Usually their past is seen as a much simpler, happier time, with fewer challenges.

Some people had an idyllic childhood and they often wish they could return to that time of playful bliss, loving parents, guiding teachers and wonderful friends. But for others, the past is a horror-strewn path of destructive behavior, with insurmountable adult problems thrust upon them at a tender age. For them the past was a time of much emotional distance or cruelty at home. These memories are indelibly imprinted on the souls of the survivors, but with a much different feeling to be sure.

Although many can put their painful past in perspective, some relive those experiences day after day, harboring hatred and resentment.

Why should you live in the past when the present already has everything that you need to start a new beginning? ~ Edmond Mbiaka

Most people, however, fall somewhere in the middle with funny memories of crazy experiences and also memories of times that were very scary, embarrassing, difficult or perhaps cringe-worthy, when seen through the eyes of their young minds. These fleeting glimpses can serve to make you smile or perhaps remind you of your strength, power, resilience and belief in self.

Sometimes it is from the vantage point of 20/20 hindsight that you can determine the most positive course of action for today, such as empathizing with a friend, avoiding previous mistakes, setting achievable goals and enhancing future chances of success.

The challenge is that everyone must actually live in the present. Today is the only day on which you can count and tomorrow is never guaranteed. Therefore, it is important to make the most of each day as it comes. Pining for past loves or easier times does not make today go any more smoothly. Reliving old arguments or social slights won’t help either. However, using some of those memories to remember to be kind to others, to bolster your own conviction, to increase your confidence or boost your own energy, can be very useful.

Do not let the memory of the past cripple your emotional stability now. You are not responsible for things that were said or done to you as a child. However, you are responsible for the way you conduct yourself today as an adult. If there is a trauma that haunts you, it is important to get professional help so that, eventually, you can put it in perspective and let it go.

To get over the past, you first have to accept that the past is over. No matter how many times you revisit it, analyze it, regret it, or sweat it…it’s over. It can hurt you no more ~ Mandy Hale

Holding grudges, building resentment and planning revenge might all seem to feel satisfying in some respect, however, they do nothing but hamper your healing and curtail your ability to live a happy, productive life today.

Indeed, the past is a great place to visit in order to reminisce or to learn, however, it is not a realistic place to live day-to-day. Start fresh with a solid view of where you want to go in life and what you can achieve today to help you get there. Reset your compass. Make positive new memories upon which to look back when you want to bring a smile to your face in future years.