Stop Looking Back
There are beneficial times when we should look to the past to learn about history, to examine patterns and cycles in order to advance forward, to study ourselves to heighten self-awareness, and when it is important to look back on the journey in celebration of making it thus far. Most times, constantly looking back is an emotional and mental block because it keeps you stuck in a loop of pondering what things used to be, how things could or should have been, what did or did not happen, relationships that ended, missed opportunities, who we used to be, wishing things could remain the same, and so forth. Then there is the aspect of looking back when it comes to relationships that have proven time again that they are not good for or to you, but you opt back into the cycle of giving it just one more chance. Only for it to prove that by giving it another chance (looking back) that it is the same dynamic and the reason it ended again is the same as last time.
We must train ourselves to stop looking back. There is nothing back there for us that we need in the present, especially if it ended for a solid reason and your peace was restored once it ended. We are responsible for what we allow in our lives and we hold the power to stop perpetuating unfruitful cycles that take us back. They can take us back to a past version of ourselves that we have done the personal work to evolve from. They can take us back to experiencing a painful trigger that turns our nervous system upside down due to consciously choosing to engage with the past. They can take us down a road of mental rumination and spiraling that may take weeks or months to come back from. Ask yourself - What purpose does it serve for me to keep looking back? Why am I prone to reopen doors that were closed for my good? What fruit is produced in my life every time I look back (e.g., anxiety, peace, pain, etc.)? When you find yourself at the crossroads of deciding to revisit the past or reopen a door, consider the price you pay each time you look back.
Joy Gem: Check out this list of quotes that can serve as inspiring affirmations to Leave the Past Behind
