What Have You Done in The Past That Makes You Regret Today?
6th December 2021
“The Past” is an article crafted to guide us in reflecting on our history, understanding its significance, and learning why and how we should revisit it. This piece invites you to delve into the past to glean insights that are crucial for our present and future. With this introduction, let’s delve deeper into the article that follows.
WHAT IS THE PAST?
This article delves into the myriad aspects of our past: the people we’ve met, the events we’ve experienced, the places we’ve visited, and the objects we’ve encountered. It encourages a reflective approach to these past elements. Often, our retrospection is tinged with regret over poor decisions, but this shouldn’t be the sole perspective we adopt when looking back. It’s not to say that regret is unnecessary; it’s a vital part of learning, aiding in the betterment of our present and future choices. Yet, commonly, our regrets revolve around decisions like marriage. Dwelling on unchangeable aspects only leads to distress.
Here, we revisit the past to recall and express gratitude for our experiences, akin to a recapitulation of five preceding articles on giving thanks for the past. It’s beneficial to show appreciation for the individuals who’ve shaped our lives. But what about the events, places, and items? Shouldn’t we also be grateful for everything, whether positive or negative?
Related: Life Coaching Ultimate Guide
HOW DO WE REFLECT ON THE PAST?
Typically, our memories of the past are triggered by something. However, we can also choose to reflect on the past deliberately. This involves sitting quietly and focusing solely on our past, with the intention of finding reasons to be thankful for each aspect of it.
We often reflect on our past, but sometimes in a negative light. Not everyone feels gratitude for their past, present, or future. Nonetheless, I believe it is beneficial to be thankful. It must be acknowledged that humans are not all the same; some naturally tend to focus only on the negative aspects of their past. Yet, life has both positive and negative sides.
Some of us believe that life is not solely composed of misfortune but is a blend of both good and bad. There’s even a neutral aspect to life, suggesting that there are three dimensions to it. Those who can view life from this perspective tend to live more effortlessly. They are the ones who naturally feel gratitude for their past.
This means that if you naturally fall into this category of people, I don’t need to instruct you to be thankful for your past; it’s already a part of who you are. It appears that even animals naturally fall into similar categories.
We are naturally grateful because it is inherent in our being. Alternatively, one can learn the value of reflecting on the past with gratitude. It’s also possible to cultivate traits in someone that they were not born with, which is why bad company is said to corrupt good morals. Conversely, I believe good company can also reform poor character, don’t you think?
WHY DO WE REFLECT ON THE PAST?
We reflect on our past for a myriad of reasons, both positive and negative, and that’s perfectly acceptable. Reflection often leads us to rue past choices and hesitations, yet this too is a normal facet of being human. There’s nothing we can pen, utter, or enact that will alter what has been. Nonetheless, reflection also allows us to find gratitude, and this is the essence of my message to you.
My reflections on the past primarily serve to acknowledge how far I’ve been brought by divine grace: my Ebenezer. As I consider the various events, individuals, locales, and objects, both joyous and challenging, I find myself compelled to smile and express gratitude. Many have not survived to see this day. Does this imply I am superior to those from my past?
The straightforward response is an emphatic NO. I might well be the most flawed among us. Yet, it is through divine mercy that I stand here today, writing and educating on this very topic: life holds meaning because it was bestowed by another. In my view, genuine gratitude stems from our reliance and faith in the Creator. Recognizing our lack of control, we place our trust in the divine, and for this, we are thankful.
We don’t give thanks to God as a means to appease or please Him; rather, we do so with a sincere heart because it is indeed right to be thankful. This sincerity often stems more from our nature than our upbringing. You might be reading this and questioning why you should feel grateful for the difficult past you’ve endured, which may even feel like a living hell.
Let me share that my life story is not so different, and it might even be considered worse in comparison. Imagine being born in a remote village in Sudan amidst the second and longest African civil war. There were no schools to attend until I reached my teenage years. However, this didn’t stop me from learning to read and write in any human language.
With no clinic in the village and a lack of modern medicine, many of my older siblings succumbed to illnesses that are treatable in other parts of the world. These experiences inspired me to write my first novel, “Life Cure.” I was the youngest of nine children, and today, I am the only one left to share our story. Surely, I have every reason to be thankful for my past, don’t I?
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF REFLECTING ON THE PAST?
It’s crucial to express gratitude when reflecting on the past, doing so freely, without any pressure. It’s beneficial to examine our past experiences to find reasons for thankfulness, as discussed in this and previous articles. When looking back, it’s essential to consider every aspect of our history, acknowledging both the good and the bad.
The neutral elements of our past also play a role. By seeing things as they truly are, we can better manage our current and future lives. This comprehensive perspective helps us approach life with ease. Our partners, too, can be seen as either a curse or a blessing, depending on our viewpoint. As the saying goes, “It’s not about how we look at them, but who they are,” which sometimes requires contemplation.
Every household has its troubles. My father would say, “Every family has its secrets,” and I’ve come to understand his words. No human is purely good; some are just better than others. Yet, being better doesn’t mean one is without challenges or issues. In every society, there are the proverbial Cains and Abels, and we, the Abels, often endure hardships. Nonetheless, we should remain grateful for the opportunity to share our stories.
MY FINAL WORDS
Reflecting on our past is crucial; it involves understanding its significance, learning how to do it, and recognizing why it’s done. Through reflection, healing may occur. Experiencing a breakdown isn’t necessarily negative, as it can be a vital step in confronting past experiences. My consistent advice is to discover and enhance your true self, which is the essence of a meaningful life, free from strictures.
I hope this article on The Past has been beneficial for you. If it has, I invite you to share your insights in the comments section below. Your feedback is valuable as it helps improve this article or shape future ones on similar topics. Feel free to suggest new topics as well. I wish for your safety and protection during and beyond the global pandemic. Peace be with you.
FURTHER READINGS
- When the Past and Future Can Rob You of the Present—Tiny Buddha.
- There and Then, Here and Now—Taylor and Francis Online (Abstract).