Letting Go Of The Past
1) ACCEPT THAT YOU CAN'T CHANGE THE PAST
That might sound obvious but how many of us re-live past events over and over again, having imaginary conversations or arguments in our heads with those who have hurt us or with those we have hurt. As if we can magically change the outcome! Re-living these past events can stop us from fully experiencing life in the present and can keep us stuck in victim mode. Accepting that you really can't change the past is the first step to setting yourself free and reclaiming your life
2) LET IT GO
Whatever's happened in your past it's time now to let it go. Yes, really, right now - it's time. While forgiveness of yourself and others can take some time I would like you to start today to let go of all blame. Try this exercise on a daily basis. Imagine that all blame is inside a balloon. Now picture this balloon floating up into the sky. As you do so repeat this affirmation:
"I now let go of my past and am free to live fully in the present. I now forgive myself and others. By forgiving myself and others I set myself free"
3) CROSS THE LINE
Try this powerful and effective way to really put the past behind you. Stand up and imagine that there is a line about a foot in front of you. Across the other side of the line is your future - a clean slate - a fresh start. Now, when you are ready I want you to count to three and then physically step over the line into your bright new future. Stand for a moment or two and really drink in this fresh new environment. How do you feel? What's possible from here?
Now look back and imagine seeing yourself back on the other side of the line, back in the past. What do you look like? How do you feel? Do you want to go back there? I hope not!
Finally, I would like you to set up some form of structure to keep you here, fully living in the present. A structure could be anything like an object such as an ornament you like, or a photo, a ring or something that you can keep with you and that you see on a daily basis. The idea is that if you find yourself reminiscing about past events this object will gently remind you to let it go and stay fully in the present moment.