How to Let Go of the Past
Have you stopped and asked yourself how much your past shapes you? Does it dictate where we end up? Today we’re talking about something we all need to hear—your past does not determine your future. Let’s get into it.
How to Let Go of the Past: Understanding the Power of Choice
Life doesn’t come with a script. Some of us start on page one of a fairytale… and others start mid-chaos, in survival mode. We don’t choose our parents, our place of birth, or the cards we’re dealt in childhood. That’s real. But here’s what’s more powerful: we do get to choose what happens next. Our past doesn’t define us. Our past may shape our starting point, but it is the choices we make later on that establish how far we can go. We have the option to develop ourselves and either remain in that position or construct a life of our own.
Think about that.
How to Let Go of the Past: Oprah’s Triumph
We’ve all heard stories of people who’ve been through unimaginable hardship—and still rise. Why? Because somewhere along the way, they decided: “This doesn’t define me.”
Let’s talk about Oprah, a true rags-to-riches story that captures the essence of triumph over hardship. Oprah endured horrible things in her early life. Growing up under her grandmother’s care in a home plagued by abuse, she experienced unimaginable acts of violence. She wore clothing made from potato sacks, experienced regular beatings, and suffered from sexual abuse. Her path seemed destined for darkness. Yet Oprah refused to let her past dictate her future. She became an icon of success and inspiration, conquering the space of media and philanthropy. Her empowering words remind us we hold the power to shape our own destiny.
She said in one of her shows, “you are responsible for your life and if you’re sitting around waiting on somebody to save you to fix you to even help you; you are wasting your time because only you have the power to take responsibility to move your life forward and the sooner you get that the sooner your life gets into gear.”
How to Let Go of the Past: Nadia Nadim’s Inspiring Journey
Let’s take another story; the one of Nadia Nadim. When she was young, the Taliban had executed her father. After that, her family decided to escape Afghanistan and move to London. Plans were shattered when they were all thrown off a truck in Denmark and abandoned. As an immigrant facing prejudice and uncertainty, Nadia confronted the daunting question of identity and belonging. In a foreign land where her past meant nothing, she took charge, rising above societal barriers to become a member of the Danish national football team. With fluency in 11 languages and a medical degree under her belt, she defied expectations and earned her place on Forbes’ list of “Most Powerful Women in International Sports”. Nadia’s journey is so inspiring. She shows us how being tough and determined can change everything, and how the past doesn’t have to define our future.
How to Let Go of the Past: J.K. Rowling’s Breakthrough
Another significant story is that of J. K. Rowling, a single mother grappling with the challenges of welfare and a passion for writing. For years, she felt like a victim of circumstances that seemed determined to crush her dreams. Her childhood was riddled with hardship, her marriage ended in despair, she had no money, and at times her writing aspirations teetered on the brink of impossibility.
But one day, amidst the darkness, a glimmer of an idea illuminated Rowling’s path. She imagined a new tale while on a train journey and, with this newfound idea; she channeled her energy and poured her heart and soul into her writing. Every rejection fueled her determination, each setback only made her stronger. And then, the breakthrough she had tirelessly worked for arrived—a publishing deal materialized. The rest, as they say, is history. The “Harry Potter” series took the world by storm, leaving an impactful mark on modern literature.
How to Let Go of the Past: Transforming Challenges into Strength
Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected challenges at us, leaving us wounded and hurt. It’s easy to get caught up in our past struggles and use them as a crutch, an excuse for not taking action. The victim’s song can be alluring, freeing us from facing the mirror and making the necessary changes. But what if, instead of dwelling on our pain, we use it as a means for doing something extraordinary?
I once too found myself trapped in the cycle of victimhood, playing my melody of self-pity. The tragic loss of three of our beloved brothers and a broken family left me overwhelmed with despair. I clung to my past, using it as a reason for not doing much. However, I realised I couldn’t continue to make excuses. If I wanted to live a fulfilling life, I had to take action. I sought help through counselling, and it forever altered the course of my life.
In the wake of therapy, I let go of my past as an excuse for mediocrity and began writing a new narrative. I flipped open a fresh page, ready to create a life brimming with possibility. It resulted in taking personal responsibility and embarking on a journey of self-improvement. Two years later, I set off on a backpacking adventure around the world, embracing my past struggles as the stepping stones to a better existence. And let me tell you, life took on a whole new level of excitement and intrigue. When you realise your life is going to sometimes suck, you have the power to turn it into something extraordinary.
Throughout life, we will encounter difficulties that can either stop us in our tracks or drive us forward. It is up to us to choose how we respond to these battles. We can choose to remain defeated or to use that pain to fight back with everything we’ve got.
Whether we look at the inspiring stories of President Roosevelt, Lopez Lomong, Tina Turner, Jordan Reynolds, Chatri Sityodtong, or Dan Gable, one thing becomes clear: these individuals refused to be defined by their circumstances. Instead, they took control of their lives, using their adversities as rocket fuel to propel them towards their goals and personal growth. Their painful experiences and setbacks became invaluable teachers, guiding them towards greatness.
How to Let Go of the Past: Take Control of Your Future
So, I implore you: Don’t let your past or struggles define you. Let them force you forward. Don’t shy away from challenges because they are part of the game in reaching your end goal and journey. The most valuable lessons in life come from painful experiences and setbacks. It’s up to you to transform your story from one of pain into a captivating tale of success. This is your time to leave the past behind and take control of your life’s direction.
You can choose a different path even if the road you started on was incredibly difficult. You can reach out and learn from courageous people about the choices they made, how they overcame poverty, their determination, their resilience. The secret is to never give up. Now ask yourself: How will you respond to life’s challenges?
Books to help you let go of the past
If you’re seeking guidance on letting go of the past, here are just two highly regarded books that offer profound insights and practical strategies to help you move forward:
1. Letting Go: The Pathway of Surrender by David R. Hawkins
This transformative guide delves into the mechanisms of surrender, providing a roadmap to release negative emotions and achieve inner peace. Hawkins combines scientific research with spiritual teachings to help readers understand and let go of the emotional blocks that hinder personal growth.
2. The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
Singer’s work explores the concept of inner freedom, teaching readers how to disengage from habitual thoughts and emotions that limit consciousness. Through mindfulness and meditation practices, the book offers tools to help you let go of the past and live in the present moment.
Listen to the full episode here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2OT3sSCU4xSpoLskjAqepb?si=–6W3jj1QiS6s7gfY2LfFw