Graduating From Our Past
(Written by Nicole Amber)
So why is it that we continually remember our past experiences and hold onto them? It’s often more comfortable than to change through letting go of the identity we have attached to ourselves. However comfortable this may feel, it doesn’t serve us in the long run and can lead to a lot of stress, pain and suffering.
Our past experiences are learning tools that enable us to make better decisions and transform dysfunctional patterns in our life. Unfortunately, we often get in our own way through our beliefs and reactions to our experiences.
The good news is we can give ourselves permission to start a clean slate. It’s not about who we were and what we did yesterday, not even one hour ago. Each moment is a new opportunity to make new decisions and refresh our perspectives. In every moment that we let go of past hurts, pains, disappointments and future worries, we gain a little more inner peace and clarity.
How can we heal from our past and co-create our present and future? One step at a time.
How to Release Your Past and Create Space for Divine Living:
1. WRITE, “A NEW END”, TO AN OLD MOVIE
Before beginning to take steps to leave what has passed, you must have a genuine desire to let go of your attachment and identification to old stories, in order to invite Divine Flow into Your Present.
2. LET GO OF WHAT NO LONGER SERVES YOU
RELEASE WHAT YOU DON’T NEED ANY MORE TO MAKE ROOM FOR WHAT YOU DO NEED.
Donate clothes that don’t fit you anymore or you haven’t worn in over a year.
Let go of the clutter. Remove from your premises any items that remind you of people who have hurt you in the past or who you wish to detach from permanently.
Remember, it’s not necessary to let go of anything or anyone that you love or serves a purpose for you.
Once you’re finished, your energy field will be clear of the old to make space for the new.
If this kind of letting go is difficult for you to do, ask for help from a person who you are close to and who loves you. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much assistance you can receive by simply asking for help. You can turn this into a fun adventure.
3. LEARN THE LESSON, CHANGE YOUR PERSPECTIVE
Identify what your experiences were meant to teach you and bring closure to them. Remember the good as well and adjust your perspective about the person(s) involved so that you can be at peace with yourself and release them.
4. REMOVE YOUR MASKS AND BE YOUR SELF
Direct your life and be responsible for how you lead it. If you don’t like how you have behaved in the past or the choices you made, make a decision and commitment to make necessary changes. Let go of who you were and what you did. Accept who you are now and let in who you are to Become.
Rediscover who you are. Be aware of your values and set some boundaries. Find a medium to express yourself authentically and naturally.
5. MAKE A LIST OF WHAT YOU HAVE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO – NOW, DO IT!
List 12 things you have always wanted to do, but did not, and then start to plan for them. Create a schedule for yourself and incorporate them into your time – the personal time you set aside for yourself to love and nurture your Being. When you are in motion, you are alive, leaving no space for going back to the past.
6. FORGIVE YOURSELF AND OTHERS – BUT REMEMBER THE LESSONS
Often, what we see in others is what we don’t want to see in ourselves. People and our experiences are a reflection of how we treat ourselves and how we have treated others. Forgiveness is a way to release the toxic emotions that harbour within us that are preventing us from experiencing a fulfilling life. Forgiveness is often easier said than done.
Thankfully, there are many useful resources, prayers or meditations on forgiveness. Search the Internet for one that resonates with you.
The following action helps me, when I’m not in a position to confront someone:
Write a detailed letter to the person you want to forgive but DO NOT send it. Write exactly how you feel and what you want to say to them. “It’s your party, so you can cry if you want to.” This is a guilt-free letter. Write quickly and do not re-read the letter to yourself or anyone else. If you make typos do not correct them, just keep writing until you feel satisfied.
Once you’re finished, shred the letter and let it go. Remove the shredded letter from your environment by putting it into a recycle bin or safely burning it.
Release it with Love and Light.
7. HEAL YOUR SPIRIT, BODY, AND MIND
- Cleanse & Detoxify (physically, emotionally and mentally)
- Breathe deeply & Exercise
- Meditate/Pray (at least once in the morning and once in the evening before bed) to keep you from dwelling on the past and worrying about the future.
- Feed your Soul (find a way of being that nurtures your soul and spirit)
- Get involved with a group or community and share the gift of You
- Eat Healthy
- Express Daily Gratitude for all that you have
- Love and Laugh for no reason at all!
8. BE OPEN TO GUIDANCE BY ONES WHO WALK THEIR TALK
If you require assistance letting go, seek a person who can show you the possible way, with no agenda. Be discerning with who you choose by making sure they are a living demonstration of what you hope to realize for yourself. Don’t just take their word.
Now and always celebrate your achievements of letting go, whether small or great!
When you feel you have come to the place of graduating from your past, throw yourself a graduation party! You deserve it!
© Copyright Nicole Amber 2014
About Nicole Amber: http://www.nicoleamber.com/GraduatingFromOurPast.html
Most recently, Nicole has discovered a creative outlet for her many observations about life and the art of living. She has begun to share her wisdom in various articles available on her website, as well as other social media platforms.Nicole is passionate about assisting others in living their truth and achieving their potential, both personally and professionally. Through her work, Nicole is able to hold the resonance of balance and healing for others, in a completely humble and unassuming way.