9B- Let Go of the Past

Hi everyone,

If you read the blog earlier in the week and you are working on letting things from the past go, great job!!  I know this is really hard to do so keep up the good work.  If you are reading the blog for the first time, you may want to go back to topic 9A before doing 9B.  You can also go to any other topics that interest you, or for maximum growth, start at 1A and work your way through the topics.

I know our past issues are something we all have in common.  We have all dealt with something that has affected us negatively.  Our past has shaped who we are and how we react to everything.  By holding onto the negative, we are letting the bad things win.  Take control and decide to let them go.  Most often we remember the bad that has happened and forget the good.  Decide how you will let your past affect you.

For me, I grew up in a family situation that was not ideal.  Without going into too much detail, there were things that happened that could definitely have a negative impact on me and my relationships with others.  I have really had to work on not letting myself be the victim.  Instead of holding onto the things that were negative, I have chosen to look at the good that was there.  While there were bad things that happened, there were also many good things and I am not going to lose those because they are overshadowed by the negative.  I can be bitter at those involved for their poor choices, or I can understand that they did the best they could.  My past experiences, both the good and the bad, have made me into the person I am today so I choose to see my whole past as a good experience.  I have learned so much from the negative.  For everyone, this process is going to be different.  Find what will work for you to move on and let the past go!  You deserve a wonderful life!

Questions:
- How does your past affect you?
- Do you  hold onto the negative from your past?
- What would it take for you to let it go?
- What can you do that you have control over?
- What do you need to do to see the past in a more positive light?
- What positive choices will you make today?

Fieldwork:
Think of the bad things that have happened to you.  Was there any good in any of those situations?  Did you learn something valuable?  How can you reshape your thoughts so you are able to see things in a more positive way?

Quote: Johnny Cash-You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.

Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye

9A- Let Go of the Past

Hi everyone,

Last week we were talking about being more present.  If  you are doing this, you can't hold onto the past.  Especially the bad.  You take it and accept it has made you who you are and move on from there.  If you are happy with who you are, the negative things in your past can't be something you keep with you.  You have to let them go and appreciate them for the job they did in making you who you are.

Most everyone has had something bad happen to them in the past.  We need to appreciate the purpose of this and move on and grow.  If not, we are letting that situation control part of who we are.  If we bog ourselves down with past hurt or anger and we don't forgive and move on, we are the ones that suffer.  We all make mistakes and we have all done something that has hurt someone else.  We can allow that to control our life or we can decide to make different choices based on the present.

Do you have negative things holding you back?  The past has served it's purpose!  Let it go!

Questions:
Either journal about these questions or think through each one!
- How does the past affect the choices you make today?
- What do you need to let go of from the past?
- What in your past is dragging you down?
- How does the past show up for you?
- Can you remember the past and not let it control the choices you make today?
- Does your past hold you back?
- Where do you want to live?  In the past or present??
- What is keeping you from doing that?
- How does the past show up for you?
- What are you going to do to let go of the past?

Fieldwork:
Think of at least one negative thing from your past that you are holding onto.  Take control of the situation and find a way to let it go.

 Topic 9 Bonus Challenge: Decide on at least one thing from your past that you need to forgive yourself or someone else for. Really work on finding a way to be at peace with the situation. What do you need to do to let it go? Now, do that!

Quote:  Johnny Cash You build on failure. You use it as a stepping stone. Close the door on the past. You don't try to forget the mistakes but you don't dwell on it. You don't let it have any of your energy, or any of your time, or any of your space.

Enjoy the journey!
Coach Gaye