Introduction
Man is a product of his past and to a large extent, ones past plays a vital role in the present and future events of ones life. We all had dreams and aspirations about life when we were younger. We had wonderful and beautiful expectations about life. To some, the past was nice while to others, it brings to mind hurtful feelings.
The Past
To let go past bitterness or wrong is very difficult because of how deep we may have been affected by them. Due to certain past mistakes or wrongs, we have been perpetually caged in a harsh and unfavourable condition in life. We lost the good life due to certain events or people and this keeps hunting us. Even when we try to stay focused, such bitter thoughts comes in to distract us.
Some of us grew up in an environment or family where no one has ever been successful in life. We are surrounded by failures, nagativities and unproductive people and this makes us feel that we cannot be different.
Some lost their parents and loved ones at a tender age and because of this, they were brought up by someone else who maltreated them. They grew up in an environment of hatred, wickedness, pain and bitterness. This made them to view life in that perspective.
Some of us have been betrayed by our loved ones, by people we least expected would break the trust we had in them. Because of such experiences, we vowed never to forgive them or even make friends again.
Some of us may have said or done something wrongly in public which made our friends laugh and made mockery of us. As a result, we decided never to contribute or speak in public again because of the fear of the past.
We may have committed grevious sins and autrosities and each time we try to make amends for them, an inner voice brings to mind all our evil deeds and because of this, we feel we are the worst persons before God.
But for how long should we hold on to such experiences, For how long should we remain in bondage and bitterness over what we cannot undo, for how long should we continue to live in hatred and bitterness?
Inasmuch as it is very hard to let go, it is still very possible to let go such bitter experiences and be opened to the positive sides of life.
We should always realise that we cannot undo the past rather, We can only correct it by not allowing such an act to repeat itself. The longer we hold on to them, the longer the pains we feel.
Let us not allow the events of many years ago hinder our progress. Let us liberate our selfs from the bitterness of yesterday and be opened for the brightness of tomorow. The future is far important that the past becomes tomorow gives hope.
Steps in Letting go Past Bitterness
The following will aid us to let go past wrongs
Acceptance: This is basic in letting go past hurts. We have to accept and take responsibility for what happened. We try to shy away from the past thereby, making it hard to let go. No matter how bad it may be, let's own up to it, let us say yes, I did this, I did that etc. It is in doing so that we can open doors of healing of past wrongs.
Forgiveness: After acceptance comes forgiveness. First we need to forgive ourselves for doing that which ordinarily, we felt we could never do. Most times we are so upset with ourselves for our wrong doings. After forgiving ourselves, we can then forgive others. Regardless of what a friend does to us, lets find a place to forgive him/her so that we can be happy.
Positive Mindedness: The future is brighter than the past. Let us not give up based on past events and because it has never been well before. Let us be optimistic about the future because it brings hope and assurance.
Prayer: The Grace of God is necessary in this exercise because letting go is very hard. We should always rely and call on Gods name for the Grace we need to forgive and let go past hurtful feelings.
Conclusion
Holding on to past mistakes or hurts for so long is unnecessary, it does not worth it. It disservice to us and it renders us unproductive. It robs us our joy, peace, growth and happiness.
The Past is gone. Let us correct out past by what we do now so that tomorrow will be a better place for us all. Always put on a bright face.