{"id":420,"date":"2013-08-31T12:23:09","date_gmt":"2013-08-31T12:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/everydayinspiration\/?p=420"},"modified":"2013-08-31T12:23:09","modified_gmt":"2013-08-31T12:23:09","slug":"leaving-the-past-behind","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/everydayinspiration\/2013\/08\/leaving-the-past-behind.html","title":{"rendered":"Leaving the Past Behind"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cDo not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.\u201d – Buddha<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

What happened in the past should stay in the past. It doesn\u2019t define your present value or worth \u2013 unless you allow it. When your thoughts continue going back to the past, you become stuck there and unable to move forward<\/a>. <\/p>\n

We all have made mistakes with job choices, friends and relationships. The consequences can hit us pretty hard. However, to begin learning how to put these experiences behind you \u2013 by letting go, you can begin living in the here and now. <\/p>\n

Here are six ways to leave regret, sadness and your mistakes in the past and begin living for today.<\/p>\n

1.\tTell someone.<\/strong>
\nYou don\u2019t have to suffer alone with the pain. Confide with a friend, a partner or a spiritual counselor.<\/p>\n

2.\tForgive yourself.<\/strong>
\nForgive yourself for the mistake or addiction. You are human \u2013 born to be imperfect. Release the guilt; and through its release, you will find freedom.<\/p>\n

3.\tForgive others.<\/strong>
\nForgiveness is a gift you give yourself. It allows you to release the anger, place the past behind you and live freer in the present.<\/p>\n

4.\tRecognize your power.<\/strong>
\nNo matter what happened in your past, you have the power to choose how you want to live today.<\/p>\n

5.\tBe patient.<\/strong>
\nMoving past shame, guilt or grief isn\u2019t a sprint; it\u2019s a healing journey that is best walked one step at time and one day at a time. <\/p>\n

6.\tKeep the faith<\/strong>
\nYour spirit will find its way back. <\/p>\n

About Alex Blackwell<\/a><\/h5>\n

Alex Blackwell is a father, husband and writer. He writes about inspiring things at The BridgeMaker<\/a>.
\nWeb<\/a> | Simple Paths<\/a> | How to Love Consciously<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cDo not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.\u201d – Buddha What happened in the past should stay in the past. It doesn\u2019t define your present value or worth \u2013 unless you allow it. 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