The Language of Letting Go: January 22nd

Appreciating Our Past

It is easy to be negative about past mistakes and unhappiness. But it is much more healing to look at ourselves and our past in the light of experience, acceptance, and growth. Our past is a series of lessons that advance us to higher levels of living and loving.

The relationships we entered, stayed in, or ended taught us necessary lessons. Some of us have emerged from the most painful circumstances with strong insights about who we are and what we want.

Our mistakes? Necessary. Our frustrations, failures, and sometimes-stumbling attempts at growth and progress? Necessary too.

Each step of the way, we learned. We went through exactly the experiences we needed to, to become who we are today. Each step of the way, we progressed.

Is our past a mistake? No. The only mistake we can make is mistaking that for the truth.

Today, God, help me let go of negative thoughts I may be harboring about my past circumstances or relationships. I can accept, with gratitude, all that has brought me to today.

From The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie ©1990, Hazelden Foundation.

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" Our past is a series of lessons that advance us to higher levels of living and loving." When we embrace this concept, we stop beating ourselves up for past 'mistakes' and realize they served a purpose. Our mistakes were lessons that were required to insure our growth and development as human beings.

If not for my mistakes, I wouldn't be where I need to be: right here, where I am today.  I have faith in the knowledge that I am exactly as I am meant to be............living this life, doing what I'm doing right now.  I accept God's will for me............my goal is not to please anyone but Him, by living a clean and honest lifestyle, to the best of my ability.  When I keep my eyes & ears open for His messages, they come through loud & clear!

Miracles abound on a daily basis. They aren't all obvious, but they are all there for the taking, when I keep my heart & mind open to receiving them.

For today, I am grateful to be exactly where I am and grateful for all the 'mistakes' that led me here!