Do you let your past steal from your future? This post's title is named after a song from the recent remake of A Star Is Born.
Don't worry...I'm not going to spoil it for you if you haven't had the pleasure of seeing this fantastic movie. However, I will share the message I walked away with. We all have a past, whether it's laden with deep-rooted fears, hurts, or mistakes. With this being said, don't EVER let the past steal from your future. It's so easy to do.
"Maybe it's time to let the old ways die...
It takes a lot to change a man
Hell, it takes a lot to try
Maybe it's time to let the old ways die"
(Link to complete song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cz0qhCWl1o4)
Opening lyrics but incredible advice. The song goes on to share about underlying religious beliefs, talking to God, and how difficult it can be to truly let the old ways die.
Standing in the mirror, looking at myself, I used to see the flaws, the sadness in my eyes, and the lingering hurt in my soul. Many sleepless nights where I allowed my mind to run away; patterns repeated because they were safe and a known path.
No where on this mind map does it say REGRET, DISAPPOINTMENT, JUDGEMENT, BLAME, HATE, or FAILURE. Think about these questions for a minute or two...
How many mistakes have you made?
How many hurtful words have you spoken?
How many times have you wished to be in a different place?
And, how much time have you wasted on things you cannot change?
You cannot change the past. You can only learn from it and change how you move forward. Simply said, yes, but definitely not simply done. Every day for me is a walk of faith. Waking up, and putting my feet on the floor and being 100% convinced that God has given me another day to live, to love, to make a difference, and to learn something new.
Are some days harder than others? Yes! But those hard days make the great days even greater. It can be so easy to become overwhelmed and wrap ourselves up with the safe blanket of our past; it's warm, it's disturbingly comfortable but it will suffocate you, your growth, and your future.
As Spock so dutifully quoted in every Star Trek flick: "Live long and prosper."
