Learn– then let go

When you make a mistake, don’t look back at it long. Take the reason of the thing into your mind and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.—Hugh White

Good morning! When I was about sixteen, I had one of those “light-bulb” moments. As a teen, I battled Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (and still do today), but at that point I had not yet been diagnosed and my thoughts and emotions were all over the board. I often felt discouraged, would beat myself up, or feel guilty—many times for things that were completely outside of my control.

I also lived in a very small town, about 300 residents in all. There was a local cafe where many people would cluster and discuss the town gossip. I was amazed at how much of this gossip focused on the negative and on the past. As I listened, I realized that in my mind, I was doing much the same thing. I was rehashing the past, feeling guilt for it, and losing the present moment as I battled something from yesterday.

The “light-bulb” moment came when I asked myself, “How would my life change if I spent nine-tenths of that time focusing on changing the present instead of rehashing the past?” Not only did I ask the question, I began living the answer. My life changed in phenomenal ways. By living in the moment, yet learning from the past, the concept of regret became a rare one for me, because I was making today count.

At sixteen, I didn’t realize that moment would become the first building block for living a content and complete life. I didn’t know that would be the building block for the Change Your Life Challenge  program that has helped over 100,000 women find the same contentment in all areas of their lives.

Your Turn:
What if you spent nine-tenths of the time when you think about the past, changing the present? I know you would realize wonderful things. Try it this for thirty days. This simple concept can revolutionize your life.

Today’s Affirmation:

I learn from the past, but I don’t sit in detention …instead I move forward and maximize the moment.


Comments

Learn– then let go — 3 Comments

  1. Brook, several times you have eluded to “let it go.” Just how do you do that?? I have been trying to stop beating myself up about the past & the “shoulda, coulda, wouldas” my kids have told me to move on & in most cases I have. But…. every once in a while some of the old nags pop up. how do just let stuff go? I am doing some minis that have helped. Is there something you do to turn it off?? Help!

  2. Hi Kris,
    I have a couple of “mantras” that I like to use to remind me–I say them over and over and over to fill my mind as the mind cannot think of two things at once.

    I like to use: “Stop asking ‘why me’ and begin asking ‘what now?’

    And then, of course, the Serenity Prayer:

    God grant me the serenity
    To accept the things I cannot change;
    Courage to change the things I can;
    And wisdom to know the difference.

    You may also want to take a peek at the May/June 09 issue of the MTM Mag to read the “scene from the life of Brook” which shows some of this in action during turmoil….

    Make today matter!
    Brook

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