Choose to Remember the Past, but be sure not Dwell on it

The Ugly, the Bad, and the Good


I remember reading as a child books called Choose Your Own Adventure. You begin reading an action story and at the end of the chapter you get to choose what you wanted the character to do. You would choose and then go the page until you came to an ending. I would always read through those books over and over, changing to see what other possible ending I could have made for my character in the book. If only life were that easy!

The past choices made in life are so important because they are what have molded us into what we are today. I think it is so important to learn from the past, remember the highs and lows, but don't make those decisions take a hold of you. Don't get stuck wondering the dreaded question "what if...." about your past.

I'm going to start with the Ugly and bad memories, because I like to end on a good note... This world has so much beauty, but let's be honest, it has some ugly in it as well. I believe there is a spiritual battle for souls daily and have yet to see a pretty picture of a demon.

What amazes me, is the people who have been handed ugly and make beautiful. Are you thinking of the Ugly Ducking as well? There are things in this life that happen to us, that we have no control of. However, the one thing we do have, is the fact that we can choose to remember the ugly, but move on and make ourselves better, event stronger, in spite of it. I will admit, when I hear people talk of sad, horrible memories, stating it is the reason for all of the ugliness in their life, I don't understand why they wouldn't want to take those reasons and learn from them. Don't let the past be an excuse for present choices.

The good memories can be dangerous if dwelled on too much. Always remember to live everday in the present. The thing with good ol' days is we sometimes give them too much credit. We think of a wonderful trip, relationship, friendship, moment in our life and soon forget that they weren't always flowers and sunshine. Our maybe they were, but those days have passed and you need to live for today and tomorrow!

Remember those days fondly, but don't begin thinking that they are better than your present day. Nothing can be better than the present and future, because you get to pick how each day is going to end in the present and get to start over every tomorrow with a clean slate!

So remember the past with a smile, but then move on and remember how you to get to choose your ending right now!