DENISE MAREK
The Best Is Yet To Come!
A wise soul sat among a large group of people and told an exceptionally funny joke. Everyone laughed whole-heartedly. A minute or so passed and the wise soul repeated the joke. This time, less people laughed. The wise soul told the same joke over and over until there was absolutely no laughter in response. Then the wise soul smiled and said, “Why is it you don’t laugh at the same joke again and again, yet you keep crying over the same thing again and again?”
My good friend passed that story along to me and I wanted to share it with you in order to give the encouragement you may need to let go of the past and press forward into a happier today. Your present and your future is filled with so much potential and promise. However, if you keep clinging to the sadness of yesterday it can block you from reaping all the joy you deserve.
I understand first hand how the experiences of yesterday can—in many cases—be extremely painful. Yet, that was yesterday. You don’t need to hold on to the pain of those experiences today. You can choose to leave the pain of the past in the past by making the decision to stop telling yourself the same story again and again—and start telling yourself a better story.
How? When that old story you play in your mind begins to bring sorrow or anxious feelings, ask yourself: What am I believing about the past that isn’t true for me today?
What thoughts are you harbouring about the past that do not apply today? Do you believe the mistakes you made are unforgivable? Do you believe that because you failed in the past you’ll never succeed in the future? Do you believe that what has happened to you makes you forever a victim, damaged, or unlovable? Those thoughts are all lies and they’ll keep you stuck.
The truth is, you are forgivable and forgiven. The truth is, you may have made mistakes, faced challenging obstacles, and failed in the past. I have. Yet, it’s those very experiences that have made you and me stronger and more capable of success in the future. You’ve got to admit, the most skillful sailors gain their prowess through navigating stormy seas. The same goes for you. Those challenges, obstacles, and perceived failures have made you wiser so try again; don’t give up. You can do it!
As for the story in which you portray yourself as a victim, today you’re not a victim; you’re a victor. Yes, those past experiences may have been incredibly painful. Yet here you are today—safe and sound with a future full of potential just waiting for you to claim it. Regardless of what occurred yesterday, you’re not damaged or unlovable. You’re magnificent and lovable exactly as you are in this moment. Any other thought is a lie. There is such a big purpose for your life—don’t allow experiences of the past to keep you stuck in yesterday. You were born for greatness. It’s time to start living the life you were born to live.
What lies ahead of you is far more important than what is already behind you. Leave the past in the past and keep pressing forward. Allow the wisdom from the lessons you learned yesterday to give you the strength and encouragement needed to move forward into tomorrow with an abundance of joy and happiness. Regain your hope. Let go of the past. The best is yet to come.