The photo above is a great depiction of how we hold on to things much longer than we should. Even though we are growing weary of the situation and can see something better on the other side, we still hold on to that which makes us feel comfortable and secure. Most times, the things we clench are things that once benefited us, but now—they add no value to our welfare.
As we grow older and learn the pearls of wisdom that life has to offer, we will evaluate what is essential to our purpose and what is dispensable.
Evicting those things which hinder our progress may sometimes be difficult; but, we will only incur unnecessary burdens if we continue to nurture unhealthy experiences and make excuses for people who are problematic to our happiness. Sometimes, we know we should let go of certain people because they are poisonous to our future, but we lack the strength and courage to do so.
You cannot cohabitate or associate with negative people and expect to emerge unscathed. The damage is being done whether or not you know it. Let go—before they pull you down.
What burdens are you carrying?
Is it a job that no longer values your work ethics?
Is it a relationship that has become toxic to your happiness?
Is it a friend who has betrayed your trust?
Is it unforgiveness towards someone who hurt you deeply?
Is it guilt and shame from your past mistakes?
Whatever is weighing you down—it’s time to let it go.
I believe the reason manufacturers make the rearview mirror of a car much smaller than the windshield is because they only intend for drivers to take occasional glances at what is behind them. It would be detrimental to us to drive forward while looking in the rearview mirror. Life is no different! While we occasionally reflect on our experiences and do our best to learn from them, we must keep moving forward to a better life.
Paul, the first-century biblical writer from Tarsus, admonished us to keep moving forward. He wrote:
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I will focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:13).
How can we let go of the past?
Cut off all communication with the past. This is not applicable to all situations, but it works.
Confront and confess our role in what happened. Sometimes, we are guilty of doing nothing to prevent the situation from happening.
Stop blaming others for your unhappiness! As long as you keep blaming people, they will have power over you, and you will remain imprisoned to your past.
Forgive yourself! Regretting your past will not change what happened. Stop beating yourself up and learn from your experiences. Forgive yourself and let it go!
Seek professional help! I am a fan of the work that counselors do. They have a unique ability to help people identify, confront and release things they have hidden in their hearts. Speaking with a counselor will help you heal much sooner than you would on your own.
Conclusion
Do not allow yourself to become so entangled in the miseries of your past, to the point of missing out on a life of happiness. Get out more! Smell the roses! Travel the world! Pursue your dreams! You deserve to be happy. So, whatever is weighing you down—let it go!