How many times have we all heard things about our pasts? Different quotes, speeches, and various articles about our past and how it affects us are all over the place. Well, here's my input on the matter.
Each of us has some sort of past. Whether it be decisions we've made or promises we didn't keep, there's something. Everyone has a few skeletons in their closet, some may have more than others, but everyone nonetheless. Even though I try not to be too revealing on this blog, this is one of those topics that it's challenging not to be. So, sorry about that. Anyways, I used to beat myself up about my own past. Different things I did and promises I broke that I had made to myself made me feel worthless and shameful. I once had a friend tell me that shame was the most destructive emotion, which I've come to realize is true. I think a lot of things I did brought me shame, and I saw in my own life how that shame turned into destruction. Through different actions and various decisions, I had gotten myself into quite the rut.
For a while, I wished I wasn't there. I wished my life was different and that things had panned out differently. I felt so stuck and burdened, I just didn't want to do it anymore. I remember feeling so stuck and feeling like there just wasn't any way my life could get better. As time passed, nothing really changed. It felt like a very long time that I was in this phase, and let me be the first to tell you I didn't like it.
Finally I reached a point where I could move on. I didn't feel stuck anymore and I felt like I could finally progress in my life. Well, it felt great, but I still felt bad about this past of mine. Every now and then I would wish it never happened. I would think of how good my life could have been if only I hadn't done this or that. It wasn't until recently I finally came to terms with everything and decided that even if someone offered me the opportunity, I wouldn't change it for the world. All the things that have happened in my life have gotten me where I am today, and I'm glad about that. Yes, there were hard times, but it made me stronger. So, hence the title, I now feel like I don't have regrets, only lessons. Each part of my bitter past taught me a lesson, one way or another.
I feel like everyone can come to this point with their past. Some already have, and others are working on it. Whatever stage you're at, I just want to say you're great...no matter what skeletons lurk in your closet.
Thank you for reading, and I hope it helped in some way!
-Allison
