Let it Go! Drop the Past and Grab Your Future

Don’t Let the Past Get in the Way of Your Future

Most of us have a hard time letting go of bad memories or times when we have been wronged or abused. Sometimes, holding on for a short while can aid us in becoming stronger and making better decisions in the future; but when we’re unable to learn, or refuse to learn, or when we have learned and still hold on, we become stuck. And when be become stuck, our “bad” memories turn into a toxic dump that’s eating us up from the inside out. Literally!

Holding on to things that no longer serve you will make you physically and mentally ill. There is no worse killer of a sound body and mind than a sick attachment to the past and the people in it. The older we get, the sicker we become, until we are an island of toxic waste; the persons we once complained about, the sick behaviors we ranted and raved about, may now have become our own, and we’re stuck in our own version of reality; unable to see it. Hence, we continue living a miserable life, filled with regret, driving those around us insane, until the day we die. And when we lay on our death bed, we can’t look bad and say “what a ride,” instead we have nothing inside of us but pain, sorrow, anger and misery.

This isn’t what we’re meant to be or meant to do! This is not our destiny, and we can choose differently. No matter how often we have been wronged, and what abuse we may have endured; no matter what nutjobs made our lives hell, we can always choose to come out of it, always! It’s never “too late” to change if we choose. It’s too late when we started believing our own hype and are now caught up in what we call “real.”

How does one release one’s crappy past? Well, that depends on one’s baggage. The bigger the skeletons in the closet, the bigger the chance that you won’t be able to do it alone and without help. This isn’t a bad thing, and it sure as hell doesn’t make you weak! Weak is stubbornly looking the other way, giving up and whining that you “can’t.” Weak is not taking responsibility for your quality of life and for refusing to see how your chosen misery touches the lives of those around you; and how you make them miserable, too!

There are plenty of therapists and therapy styles; there’s yoga, meditation and there are self-help books. In other words, there is more material on getting well than one could possibly ever consume in a lifetime. If your life sucks and the quality of your life is miserable, then do something about it. Got crappy friends? Don’t have the relationships, friends, career or money you want? Do something about it! Start by taking an honest look at yourself, ask a few “trusted” advisors, preferably people who actually live the life you want, and then get help.

One awesome tool my therapist taught me is purging! Write it down. Write letters, emails, notes, and journals; whatever you want. You don’t even have to send them, although you can if necessary (just be prepared for any consequences your confrontation may have!). Very important about this exercise, do it to get it off your chest, not to attach an outcome or expect change! If you expect an outcome, you’ll set yourself up for failure all over again.

People do not change for you or for me. People won’t magically learn to hear you, won’t suddenly see things your way, be responsible, accountable or learn to care. No, my friend, that part you cannot expect. Most people who harm others will continue to do so; nothing you say or do will change that. But if you simply need to speak your truth, do it! Go for it, set yourself free and walk away. No back and forth arguing, no trying to “change their mind,” no hanging on to expecting an apology or a reconciliation of any sort. Just release the crap and then let it go for good!

I have learned in therapy to do this. Once I started purging my skeletons, my life became easier. What was even more amazing to me is that my therapist taught me how to stop blaming myself and feeling guilty when I confronted someone who had abused or wronged me. The outcome was and still is liberating. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t wander around wielding my sword of justice (although that is what I do well ;-D ); I do, however speak up in situations that I literally swallowed before. And what I found is that I simply feel a great sense of pleasure from no longer allowing others to use me, badmouth, or simply harm me. I don’t feel guilty (after all, I give you ample warning before I “strike”) and I don’t get caught up too much in the BS anymore.

Sure, this is a process; and a long one for me so far. Sure, there are times when I slip, because none of this comes as naturally to me as it should, but with practice I’m getting better, and with that I am getting stronger and healthier. I no longer “hold it in” and I don’t pretend to be fine. There is a fine line between being able to forgive and being a doormat. I always opted for “taking the high road,” which meant that at a specific point, I’d drop the conversation and simply never speak to the person again. However, I would hold it inside and I would obsess about it, because the other one “got away with it,” while I still held the pain inside. The army of jerks that was stuck in my “closet” was quite large and the pain I felt reliving their BS was debilitating. If you think “they” are going through the same hell, you are probably mistaken. Most jerks not only justify their actions and words, but continue them; and you, my friend, won’t change that.

Once you start releasing your pain, your whole life will turn around. The lighter your load gets, the lighter your life becomes. You’ll start having more light than dark days, you’ll laugh more, cry less, worry less, trust more (in the right places) and find yourself attracting all the things you want.

Having a light heart is the key to happiness and success. Holding on to your BS is only going to make you miserable, while the rest of the world stops listening to you, avoiding you, until one day, you’ll find yourself truly and utterly alone; regarded as the bitter, whiny, crybaby you have become. And who wants that fate? Not I, and you shouldn’t either!

What’s ahead for your life path? Try a psychic reading. Call 1.800.573.4830 or choose your psychic now.

11 thoughts on “Let it Go! Drop the Past and Grab Your Future

  1. robyn

    I was in a really bad place emotionally this time last year – have read many wonderful books and have kept really busy and have weathered what I feel is the worst of the storm. This article is just so good – it literally summarises the hours and hours of good reading, listening to podcasts, etc and all the knowledge with which I have been enlightened and which has kept me off anti depressants through what has been a challenge.
    Has been so good to read this article which confirms all the good advice and encouragement that has given me so much comfort, confidence, inner peace, contentment and faith.
    thanks Carmen with love and light
    Rob

    Reply
  2. sweetz

    I really love this article. I just turned 48 today, and was really dreading the though of getting older. True, holding to the past can really put a burden on you. It really weights you down. I was hurt by my ex husband mentally. He acted like a jerk. All he seem to care about…was his self. We got married and divorced in less then two months. I could not see myself as a good person, because of that. I’ve been beating myself up everyday. I’m not happy, day to day. Really, life to me sucked. But, I woke up this morning, wanting to change the way I think. I wanted to take back my life I once had before, my ex came along. I know it’s possible. And I will!

    After learning that, all this insane thinking was just driving me crazy as well as the people around me. I no longer want to be this person anymore. I’ve been pulling myself down, with this stinking thinking. I can not be the person God has designed for me to be, by reflecting on my past. I ‘m going to let go.

    I’m pretty sure my ex husband, is not walking around dragging his feet. I have not heard or seen this man in 8 months now. Seriously, I’ve been down and out for 8 long months. I really don’t want to die this away. This article is a eye opening.

    As of today, I choose to take charge of my life today, for good. Letting go of the past and looking forward to the future. Then maybe, maybe one day, I’ll see the bigger picture.

    Pray for me!

    Reply
  3. michelle

    WOW!!!!!!!!! thank you so much for having a clear mind and putting down into words what i always knew but couldent find the words to express. You are amazing and have a brilliant way with words! THANK YOU

    Reply
  4. Carmen Knopfette Honacker

    Yes, I also used to think that it was I who needed to change; namely to be able to accept and take more abuse. Turns out, I DID need to change! But in form of learning how to take care of myself and stop making excuses for others. Setting healthy boundaries was the most important lesson I had to learn!

    Reply
  5. devyn5303devyn5303

    What a beautiful article Carmen! You are so honest and I feel that your honesty helps others to realize that it is safe to be honest with their feelings. I loved when you said ” Go for it, set yourself free and walk away.” When you realize that you hold the key to your freedom it is very empowering.

    Reply
  6. Gina Rose ext.9500Gina Rose ext.9500

    Another EXCELLENT article ………way to go Carmen !

    ” The army of jerks that was stuck in my “closet” was quite large and the pain I felt reliving their BS was debilitating. If you think “they” are going through the same hell, you are probably mistaken. Most jerks not only justify their actions and words, but continue them; and you, my friend, won’t change that. ”

    I love the above quote from your article…….

    …reminds me of not too long ago when I gently, but firmly, told a client to stop wasting wasting good tears over a former boyfriend, who acted like a real jerk to her…..I asked her ” why are you crying over him ?, he is not crying over you !….so stop wasting your tears on him, he’s not worth it.”

    Reply
  7. celtcharm

    I want to thank you for another helpful and informative article! Every time I ask the Universe for help with a specific issue, I find a fantastic article on here that’s just what I need! Thanks and peace!

    Reply
  8. velvetoversteel

    Bravo! Great article again, Carmen!! I totally agree with all of this, esp. when you explain the ‘process’. That there is no major, speedy solution to positive change, is so important so people don’t give up or quit.

    Also so true that some people will never see themselves the way they are, or admit that they do anything wrong. I used to think I needed to become strong enough to ‘deal’ with these types of people and maybe even be able to change them. That never happened and being around them only delayed my own success and happiness. However what I learned along the way certainly were steps in the ‘process’ to my own growth andf finding peace & happiness for my self.

    Thanks Carmen!!
    Blessings & Big Hug,
    Coreen @ VOS

    Reply

Leave a Reply to celtcharm Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *