Sometimes I find myself dwelling on the past too much. We all have memories of events that have happened, some of them happy and cherished memories, others not so happy. Memories that we'd just as soon forget but for some reason the brain retains them and taunts us with them.
One night, all alone with a mind full of memories that should have long been dead and buried, I stood up and spoke aloud. As the words hung on the air I thought them strange as though I had not spoken them but that someone else had uttered this incantation. Quickly I scribbled it down and as I reread the words I vowed to make them my new mantra:
Curse of the past, be gone.
Let me focus on today and forget
about yesterday's misfortunes.
The past is past and cannot be changed.
Let me live one day at a time, to
live today and not dwell over yesterday. Let me remember and hold dear what is
important in life - my family, my friends my health - and let me release the
thoughts of bygone days for, like the word, those days gone by are gone forever.
Give me the
wisdom to cherish the happy and blessed memories of the past and the courage to
let go of the memories that torment me and cause me pain and anguish. I cannot see what tomorrow will bring and the
past is now history, but today is the here and the now. With every breath I take
let me live today and make it the best day of my life.
And to you my cherished blogging buddies, may today, and tomorrow and every day after, be the best day of your lives.
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I love that mantra. Lately I've been having flashbacks too, of my old life 20+ years ago in San Francisco. It's a little disconcerting, even though I did enjoy my 22 years out west. There were a lot of good times but just as many bad.
ReplyDeleteI have those past memories haunt me often. I think it has a lot to do with trying to figure out how to go forward and make the now better, though. :)
ReplyDeleteStrange how the unattainable past can have such power over our present lives. Just as I reach the age of fearing the LOSS of memory, these negative and hurtful thoughts are the ones that want to stick around (dang it). I think I will use your example to develop my own mantra against these intrusive and unwanted flashbacks, Anna. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI, too, struggle with letting go of the past. I don't understand why it's easier to hold on than it is to let go. But I've learned to focus on the here and now and it gets easier as time goes by. That's a good mantra and I hope it helps you. I would give you a hug if I could!
ReplyDeleteThank you Annette. :) Hugs are nice aren't they? Funny how something so simple can make one feel so good. :)
DeleteAnna, sounds like an awesome mantra :)
ReplyDeleteNow, if only I could put it into the past and leave it there.
I am re-reading a book by Carolyn Myss and I feel she would tell you that truly living in the present is the only way to live a truly spiritual life,, so more power to you for that :)
Have a lovely day, cheers, T. :)
That is a wonderful mantra, Anna! I struggle with letting go of the past as well, and putting those positive words in the air encouraging yourself to let go is such a great idea.
ReplyDeleteValerie
Everyday Inspired
You have spoken for many of us and the mantra is one that we should never forget. The memories of the past will come back to us, eventually, and we should not succumb but calmly push them away :)
ReplyDeleteTo all you wonderful blogging friends. Thank you for being so kind and understanding.
ReplyDeleteYou are all the greatest. :)
Totally guilty of reflecting on the past. Always wondering what would have happened if.... I'm slowly learning to let the past stay exactly where it is, and start living for the now. The only time I want to re-visit the past is if they are happy thoughts of past times. Saw a quote the other day, it summarizes what you you said. "May the space between where I am, and where I want to be inspire me. ~ Tracee Ellis Ross
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said! I'm going to take your advice and not apologize for barely having a second to keep up with your blog for weeks but instead be happy that I have a chance to read your posts now with an opportunity to comment! I hope things are cooling off for you on the east side of the country, my BFF in Daytona told me its about 95 & soupy in her area right now. Blech! But my dry 119 is still flipping hot lol
ReplyDelete