The Truth About How to Let Go of the Past
Updated: Aug 4, 2020
Dear Past,
I am letting you go. I have learned from you and will take my lessons with me, but I will not allow you to hold me back. Thank you for protecting me, for teaching me and reminding me of all the wrongdoings I have experienced. You have done your job, but for me to move on I must let you go.
Yours Truly,
Sabline
Letting go of the past is hard. My past reminds me of the mistakes I have made and protect me from future mistakes. It is essential to learn from our mistakes, to adjust, and then move on.
There is a difference between using your past as a steppingstone for growth or allowing it to hold you in fear and anxiety. When we talk about letting go of the past, we are talking about thoughts and "un"truths that are holding us back.
Tips for letting go of the past.
Identify what it is you're holding on to. What in your past will you not let go of? Was it the way someone treated you, a promotion that was passed over, or a friend who never apologized? What is making your blood boil? What is not allowing you to move forward?
Let it out. Stop holding in the emotion. Let it out. Write. Cry. Yell. Throw balls against the wall (yes, I did get that idea from Grey's Anatomy). Do whatever you need to let that emotion flow out of your body. The longer you hold onto it, the more toxic it becomes.
Learn and make adjustments. You are not a victim; you are in control and have the choice of how you move forward. Learn from the past: what would you do differently? What part did you play (yes, you may have played a role)? What will you do differently?
Be in the present moment. When you find that your mind is drifting back to the past, ground yourself into this moment. Remember, step three and put your lessons learned into practice. If you find that you are still holding onto emotions from the past, go back and continue to work on letting it go.
Be kind to yourself. Some emotions and experiences take time to heal. Work with a professional who can help guide you through your pain. Some wounds may be ripped open after you thought they were healed. That is normal. Move through the emotions until you are ready.
You deserve a beautiful life; don't let the past hold you back. Make a choice to let go and move forward. You are amazing, reliable, and capable of so many beautiful things. The world needs to see your talents.
XOXO
Sabline
