During struggles it’s quite a natural tendency to think about what was and how things used to be better. To think of the past with fondness isn’t an issue if it’s appreciation. To dwell and wish for things to be how they were is just folly. What happened has happened and can’t happen again.
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.
Buddha
Why Can’t I?
You can potentially go back to the way things were in some form but never exactly the same. It’s like breaking a vase and then repairing it. It might be the same shape but it won’t be like it was originally. Even if all the breakages aren’t visible, the glue used has made it different, making the outside smooth has thinned the walls. It’s not the same, and it never will be.
So it’s best not to yearn for the past to be now or expect it be like that again. It’s perhaps a better idea to appreciate that you got to experience what happened. And after this appreciation, learn from what occurred, and grow from it. It’s simple, but not always so easy to do.
What Can I Do?
How do we go from dwelling, yearning and living in the past? We focus on what we have right now. Focus on what we have in this moment of life that we are living. Take a look around you and say what you appreciate. As many as you can name, friends, family, items you own. The more you notice, the more you can begin to live in the now.
Be thankful for what was, appreciate what is, and work to what will be.
Wulf Willis – Yes, I quoted myself
As you appreciate what is, you can then begin to move towards knowing what you are able to do right now. As you live in the now, concentrate on what you can do to build your future. How you can utilise your surroundings and your abilities to grow as an individual and reach your goals.
Remind Yourself
Each time you find yourself getting down about what was because it’s no longer here, remind yourself of what is.
Remind yourself of how much you really do have at the moment.
You’ll find it’s much more than you are currently noticing. It always is, because there’s always more to be thankful for.
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