We know that the past affects the present.
Thus, when we get too caught up in things that we cannot change, we begin to lose sight of our present moment and the joy surrounding it. We focus only on what has already gone and thus, giving ourselves little time to enjoy the opportunities of the now.
If you’re reading this post, you are likely looking for the best ways to step into the present.
As Steve Maraboli notes in Unapologetically You: Reflections on Life and the Human Experience, “Harness the power of today. Seize the blessings of today! Make something happen, enhance your life, make someone laugh, help a friend, love, love, love!”
But we know that can be easier said than done to do so.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you move on from the demons of your past and start living and fulfilled and happy life.
Ways To Tart Letting Go Of The Past
Acknowledge The Lessons, But Don’t Dwell
We often think that in order to stop living in the past, we have to ignore it completely.
This is not the case.
The best way to move forward from our past is to use its lessons as learning experiences.
Take a moment to consider some of the things that bother you. And remember that those feelings, no matter what they are, are valid.
One way to work on this is by writing down your feelings about the past on a sheet of paper. You can then read them over and even rip up the page as you began to notice them losing their weight.
Focus On The Present
Focusing on the present moment, or mindfulness is the concept of seeing and accepting your thoughts without pushing them away.
One way to stop living in the past is to try your very hardest to focus solely on the present moment.
By focusing our energy on that which has already happened and thus cannot be controlled, we are only holding ourselves back from the opportunities of the future.
Try finding a new skill or hobby that you can hone your energy into. This will give you a chance to step away from the past and create something new and exciting for you to enjoy in the present moment.
Practice Forgiveness
Similar to the idea of acknowledge but don’t dwell, it’s important to forgive but not forget.
You may have been hurt by someone in the past that is causing you to dwell. But the present isn’t about them, it’s about you.
By allowing yourself to let go of the pain they caused you, you will feel more healing than ever before.
This does not mean you have to keep them in your lives, and you, fortunately, should not if they are beginning in negativity. By simply removing the emotion surrounding your relationship with them, however, you will keep much bette and more capable of moving on.
Take Some Time Off
Taking time off means different things to different people.
While to me it might mean taking a whole month off work to get off the grid and recoup, to you it might mean taking off an afternoon to get a massage.
It doesn’t matter what your off-time entails, the important part is that you are delicate a moment to yourself.
This will help you to focus more on the present moment in general and thus begin to let go of the past.
Remember, there’s no better time than the present to start living in it.
The sooner you can find ways to implement this guide into your life, the sooner you will on your way to enjoying this very moment.
