It is extremely important to let go of the past to move ahead.

We are often stuck with some bad memories or a harsh past and that often restricts our ability to judge and act.

“I have tried this earlier and I am doomed to fail”, “I don’t believe in relations since I have seen they don’t go well”, “Nothing is going to change, I have always been unlucky", and so on. These are common thoughts, and lead to a common result... NOWHERE! These memories create fear, insecurity, self-doubt and often clouds the opportunities at hand. The best thing that can be done with these thoughts is “LET THEM GO!”

There are enough testimonials of people who have not let their past govern their future and have emerged on top. Steve Jobs was fired from his own company, JK Rowling was rejected by innumerable publishing houses, Amitabh Bachchan went bankrupt, Oprah Winfrey went through child abuse... and there are so many more.

An engine drives the coaches of the train and not the other way round. The past is like those coaches, so do not let them run you! If your condition today is because of the past, the future is going to be because of today. And that’s what I want to talk about- Make your TODAY special!

The past is nothing but an experience- a good experience leaves us encouraged and upbeat, a bad experience leaves us with something to learn and improve upon.

I know what I am asking you to do is easier said than done… But, that’s the only way out! And if we do make an effort, we can rid ourselves of its negative effect.

I am not suggesting wiping out memories, but only keeping the positives from it.

What can be done?

1) When you recollect any memory that holds you back, try to rewind it just a little bit. You will realise you were actually excited and thrilled in that space. It could have been a relation, business or just about anything. If we need to retain something, why not retain the best part of the past! We are choosy when it comes to shopping, movies, restaurants… Why not be choosy in what we retain from the past!

2) We often hold someone or some incidence to blame for everything that happened... This gives rise to feelings of revenge, jealousy or hatred. These three feelings have never gotten people anywhere. So, FORGIVE! They might not say sorry, might not cross your path ever. Still, picture them in your mind and forgive… They are doing a far greater damage occupying space in your mind meant for bigger and happier things. So imagine them and say, “I FORGIVE YOU”... and SMILE! Trust me it’ll make you feel much better and very relaxed.

3) Acknowledge the events and people around you. One’s who still appreciate you, love you and encourage you. At times, we start ignoring the best by focusing too much on the mediocre or unimportant. There are many whose trust in you did not diminish. Look at yourself from their eyes. “OH MY GOD! YOU LOOK LIKE A SUPERSTAR ALREADY!!”

4) Keep yourself busy. Find work, pick a hobby, play some sport, read or start writing… Plan your day. Lesser the idle time, lesser the idle thoughts! 5) Surround yourself with happy and encouraging pictures. Wallpaper on your Laptop or phone, on your work desk, at home!

I have been through these patches too, just that I’ve stopped calling them bad patches. I call the tough patches.
There is an old saying, “WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH, THE TOUGH GET GOING!”

AND that’s what I expect everyone to be- VERY TOUGH!!

All the best! The Future is waiting for you!