[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUWGBQsnz-I[/youtube]It’s a new year, and the perfect time for new beginnings. It’s not ever easy to let go of the past. We hold on to our memories as if they were the very fabric that defines us, but some memories can paralyze our lives. It’s all about perception. Is your glass half empty or half full?
The only constant in life is change. Viewpoints, feelings and abilities continually change from the moment of birth to our last day on earth. Sometimes we simply lose sight of who we are while we battle the day-to-day hardships thrust upon us. If we identify with painful memories and those selective flashbacks that linger over the years, they become our frame of reference, which ultimately influences our life choices. It is those choices that can back us into a corner where we feel trapped, destined to an existence far short of our childhood dreams. But those memories are not who we are. They are merely events that we experienced.
What if you could erase all of the bad things that ever happened to you? Would you be different if all of the pain, sorrow, failure, loss and rejection just magically disappeared? It’s easy to rationalize where we find ourselves in life when we lay blame on fate or our past. If only this or that hadn’t happened, things would be different. The thing is, it is the adversity, not the gifts in life that develop strength and determination.
We see people every day that seem to have the world in the palm of their hand, and some of them do, but for the most part, we are all alike. How we handle tribulation is a choice, not an innate quality. We can choose to go through life as a victim always focusing on the negative and dwelling in our pain, or we can choose to learn from the past. We can escape the nebulous cloud that can suck us down into a whirlpool of fractured dreams. If you let a negative or faulty perception of who you are imprison you, it will suffocate your aspirations.
Embrace this new year — the perfect time for new beginnings. Escape the boundaries that hold you back and embark on the journey to your best life. Living life well is a choice and it is always within your grasp.
Happy New Year,
Casi
I couldn’t have said it better! Thanks Randall.
It is very true. . .that the past does not equal the future. Why so much time analyzing how I got to where I am? All of that focus is rear view mirror. My question is, “is it useful?” If it codes things in a way that empowers one, possibly it has some value. If the result is blame and victim thinking, what is the value? I can only change things in my life for which I have and take responsibility. How much more valuable to ask, “what do you want?” Then in Casi’s words from a previous blog, focus time and energy on achieving the desired outcome.
To black skinny tie … Thank you so much for your kind words. Your comments inspire me to keep writing!! Please come back to my site often.
Casi
Thank you both for your comments. Your input helps me to continue writing what my readers want and expect from my site.
To 30 minute meals … I can only defend what I have lived. We are all different, and yet the same. I’m not saying that we can decide to be president and make it happen — though I’m sure the road to the White House is paved from choices made. However, my past has taught me that attitude is everything.
My intent is that my blog be like a friend and help to lift my readers up … in the words of William Arthur Ward, a friend knows your weaknesses – but shows you your strengths. They feel your fears – but fortify your faith, see your anxieties – but free your spirit and recognize your disabilities – but emphasize your possibilities.
Thank you for your feedback and I hope you come back to my site often.
Casi
Hey, I’ve been a lurker around your blog for a couple weeks. I love your writing and your whole site! Keep it up!