I've heard it said that there is a reason the rear view
mirror in our vehicles is much smaller than the
windshield. We are not meant to be looking behind us at
where we have been. Instead, we have a wide expanse of
glass through which to take in our future and the road
ahead.
Those who wander around in the world of "what might have
been", "the way it was", "what happened then" and "what
I did" are compromised when they long for change. Our
past has shaped who we are today and yet it does not
need to define us. It's been said that it doesn't matter
how you started, just how you finish.
One exception that I make as a coach is to show people
the distinction between where they were and where they
are now. It came up for me personally when I hit a
roadblock on my wellness journey. I was lamenting to my
nutritionist over a Mother's Day weekend of indulgence.
In a true coach like fashion she reminded me of how much
more I knew now and how many important steps I'd taken.
Alas, even coaches need coaching!
It is true that we can be so much more aware of the
present moment by letting go of the past. It's also true
that knowing where we have been can propel us into a
lifetime of fulfillment and meaning. It is only the
perception of a limiting past that keeps us stagnant.
As we relax into summer months it's a perfect time to
reflect through that tiny rear view mirror and catch a
glimpse of how much road we have travelled. Acknowledge
yourself for moving ahead even if it is only in the
smallest of ways. Celebrate your successes and give
yourself credit for the progress you have made.
QUESTION FOR THE MONTH: What personal milestone will
I celebrate today?
