Make peace with the past

Standing at the threshold of yet another year, what are the thoughts that come to mind? No doubt a mixture of emotions will surface as you allow your mind to trace the journey of the year that was. Moments of drama, of angst and relief. Perhaps joys tainted by sorrow, disasters softened by success.

Whatever shocks and surprises may have been, there is one thing more important. Apparently it was the Greek philosopher Epictetus that first said, “It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters.”

We cannot often choose the circumstances that come our way. Time and again we are reminded that, however meticulous our planning, there are forces beyond our influence. But not everything is out of our control; we have the choice to respond, shaping our feelings, actions and outcomes.

As we step into the future it’s time to make some decisions.

For your own sake.

For the sake of those close to you.

Decide to make peace with the past. Move on.

Leave the disappointments behind. Don’t allow them to weigh you down and prevent you from giving your best. Let nothing hinder you from being the best you.

Consign your successes to history. Don’t dwell on them – the world moves on and so must you. Let your victories spur you on to greater heights as you tackle the challenges ahead.

And yet it’s not “hakuna matata”; don’t just forget the past. Remember what has gone before; celebrate the good and learn whatever lessons you can find. Then, with gratitude go forward. Strive to make peace. Live purposefully and passionately. Make the best of all that is given to you.

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
— Attributed to St Francis of Assisi.