Do you have a past that haunts you? Did things you didn’t want to happen….happen? Were you hurt? Did situations or people not turn out as you expected? Are you at a place you didn’t expect to be at this point in your life because of that? In the last blog we talked about crossing off the things that we cannot control that causes us stress. And that includes the things in your past that are already done…“what’s done is done.” I’m not saying pretend it didn’t happen…obviously it did…and that’s the truth. But the great news is that you CAN change the MEANING of what happened. How??? You get to re-write yourself from having had been the victim to becoming a hero! What you think about your past experiences is COMPLETELY in your control!
So let’s try writing your new story. I invite you to take out a piece of paper and I’m going to limit you to only 1 to 3 sentences explain what happened in your past…short and to the point (yes I know it sucked but do you really want to go through all the drama and details AGAIN?? I didn’t think so.) Then, for the rest of the paper, write about how this has not happened to you, but has happened for you. Yes I know this is a challenge to for some, but you DESERVE to be able to let go of the bad thoughts that keep hanging around…it’s just too much to have to bare for the rest of your life, isn’t it? So here’s the new questions to think about when re-writing your past. How has it made you into who you are today? What have you learned and how have you grown? Did it teach you to set boundaries? To be non-judgmental and more compassionate to others’ situations? What strength did you pull out form inside that you didn’t think you had? What did you learn about people? About life? How will what has happened in the past prepare you for today and the future? Can you use what you went through to help others in a deeper way that you could have never before? What’s the gift of the pain you went through?
For me, one of the best gifts going through my divorce gave me was to be able to form the relationships I always wanted with my kids as a mom….to raise them, teach them and love them as the mom I’ve always wanted to be without the negative vibes in the house. For the first time, in all areas of life, I am standing alone..seeing what I am made of….I get the opportunity of a blank slate…deciding how I want to live my life, on my own terms:) I understand now what it TRULY means not to judge another since you have never been in their shoes…because I’ve been judged. I know how important it is to reach out to others who are alone, because I have felt alone many times. I’ve learned how important it is to let go of what I can’t control, because it will mentally and emotionally drive me crazy….and that’s no way to live this life that God has given me. I’ve also really, really learned to appreciate who and what I have. And I know I am on a road where I will always be learning and growing…and tests will always pop up to show me how I am doing.
There are so many examples of people who have had a devastating physical or emotional experience, and made a conscious decision to turn around what that experience meant into something positive, allowing them to release their negative past. So what about you? What’s your new story? How are you going to re-write the meaning of your past? I’m excited for you…because once you do, you will understand that… you are the hero of your life!….:)
In my next letter to you, you’ll find out what to do with the things you CAN control so you can feel empowered!
Till we meet again…
With crazy love and gratitude!
-Donna xoxo
P.S. I invite you to leave a comment below so we can talk…and please share this blog with your friends/ family members in your social media crew that you think will benefit! The more light we spread the better! And remember to sign up with your name and email address above so you can automatically receive my letters to you! Also, if you hop on over to our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/MovingForwardSeminars I’ll be posting some cool quote pictures to support the theme/ lesson of each blog post/letter. Thank you!