“For my eightieth year warns me to pack up my baggage before I leave life.” – Marcus Terentius Varro
You may not realize it but you’re carrying some baggage with you right now – we all are. This emotional baggage comes from our past. It comes from the accumulation of life’s ups and downs. At some point we were fed shameful messages, shown we weren’t lovable, or taught we weren’t worthy. Sad. But true. Some of this baggage is older than others. Some baggage is brand new and more obvious. Some baggage we didn’t deserve and isn’t are fault, and some baggage is are fault and comes from our poor decisions. Regardless of where our past wounds and scars come from we can still take responsibility and do something about them. Our future success depends on our willingness to unpack and put away our baggage. It is our baggage that keeps us viewing life through the same narrow lens. Are you ready to unpack? Letting go of baggage can be scary. It will require you to redefine who you are and what you’re capable of becoming.
Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our Light, not our Darkness, that most frightens us. – Marianne Williamson
Drop what’s holding you back. Lighten the load. Release your potential.
Your past doesn’t define you
So you made some mistakes, a few stupid choices. Nothing good comes from keeping score. It’s a loose/loose game. What is important though, is who we are becoming. What matters is who you are today, not what you did fifteen years ago. Our past mistakes can be used as learning tools and teachers. Your challenges can refine and mold you into the person you’re meant to be. What are you holding onto from the past? How can you use this experience to create the life you desire?
Your future is pure possibility
Possibilities are created. They are invented, refined and acted on until one day an opportunity appears. Break through the barriers of a narrow vision and expand on what is possible in life! Find inspiration and adventure. Allow yourself to dream. What new possibilities can you invent and create for your life?
Be mindful of your “story”
What twists and turns define your life? What triumphs and victories can you highlight? Pay close attention to the plot line because what’s holding you back will be a major part of the story. Throw the old story out and start writing a new chapter. If old limiting narratives start running through your mind, remember that you are a co-creator of your life. You get to define the person you are becoming.
Remember the good things
Ah, the good ol’ days. Remember a time when you had no worries. A time full of zest and enthusiasm for life. Why not set your baggage down for just a minute and relive some positive past experiences. Choose to focus on moments filled with love instead of moments charred with hate. Focus on those memories that offer you joy and appreciation. Think of a few right now. What are the most amazing and cherished events in your life? These memories aren’t quite so heavy are they? They are actually refreshing and invigorating. Our past has a major impact on how we experience the present moment, and the person we become in the future. It is time to move forward and create your life from the present. Learn from the past and uncover the value from these hardships. You are a stronger person now. You are wiser and more aware of the life you want to live. Experience is our greatest teacher if we allow it to be.
