Letting go of the past isn’t exactly one of the easiest thing to do. If you have been struggling with a past you aren’t very proud of, we are here to help you with a few guidelines of how to let go of the past and move on with your life.
We understand the heartache and emotional pain holding onto a painful past can bring and if you are going through this, our heart goes out to you, know you are not alone and letting go is possible, you can do it.
We are positive these tips will get you started on your journey on how to let go of the past and move on.
1. Let out the pain
Cry if you want to, confide in a friend if you will, lie in bed for a few days, take some time off, go on vacation, write it down, scream if you must – if that is what it takes to let go of the pain but whatever you do, just let it out.
Let out that anger, pain, hurt, fear, resentment, trauma, guilt, fear, or whatever it is that caused you pain, just let it out in whichever way you know best.
That is how to let go of the past and move on with your life, at least that is a starting point.
2. Make the conscious decision to let go and move on.
More than anything else, letting go is a conscious decision – you have to want it from your heart first and then the healing process can start.
Until you do (make the conscious decision to move on), you will not heal completely and will never be able to move on. You need to want to let go more than you want to hold on.
All your healing begins with that one decision.
We understand it’s not going to be easy, but you’ve got all you need to make that decision – YOU.
3. Accept what happened to you and try to use your pain for good
You need to accept that whatever happened, happened and you can’t do anything to change that.
Although reminding yourself that it happened for a reason (which you may not know yet), is a great way to give yourself the courage to pick up the broken pieces and move on.
Since you cannot change what happened, why not try use it for good.
Sharing your experience with someone who is going through the same and trying to help others who are going through what hurt you in whichever way you can, are some of the ways to use your pain for good.
4. Distance yourself from anything that reminds you of your past
Whatever it is that reminds you of the past you want to forget, distance yourself from it – people and things alike.
For things, you can as well get them from where you can see them every day and lock them away. For people, please keep your distance from these for as long as you can. This will make letting go a lot easier.
Yes, at first the things, people, and experiences that hurt you are going to seem like they are the only thing you are thinking about, but as the days go by and with the distance, those memories and thoughts will begin to slowly fade away.
5. Create some positive affirmations and recite them often
You must be thinking, “Is that really necessary when it comes to how to let go of the past and move on?”
Yes, it is necessary.
Reciting some affirmations in the morning when you get up and at night before bed can be a great way to remind yourself of your decision to let go.
They are also a great way to cheer yourself up and change your thoughts from negative thoughts of the past to positive healing thoughts.
The words you speak to your life are very important. You are intentionally creating your life with your thoughts and words every day therefore make it a point to speak positively.
Affirmations like I am whole, I am healed, I am free of pain, I am healthy, I am happy, I am moving on with my life, etc… are a great way to reframe your thoughts. Just choose words that are meaningful and personal to your situation, those should be able to do the trick.
6. Throw yourself into some work
Getting busy will help you shift your focus and thoughts to something other than your pain.
So throw yourself into some productive work – it could be at your job, taking any class of your choice, learning a new skill, doing charity, whatever it is, just keep yourself busy.
That way you won’t notice the pain or heartache or give it much attention anymore.
7. Practice gratitude
Practicing gratitude is a great way to heal pain of any kind.
When you give thanks for the things you still have in life, you put yourself on a very powerful frequency of receiving more things to be grateful for. It is like the universe says since you liked that, you might like this too, and therefore gives you more similar things and experiences to what you appreciated.
8. Forgive what or who hurt you
Until you decide to forgive, whatever or whoever hurt you still has a place in your heart and control over you.
So every time you remember what hurt you, who hurt you, or the experience that traumatized you, forgive it and let it go, don’t hold onto it. Then focus on what is at hand – the present, and you will be able to heal.
The truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself , unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward.
~ Steve Maraboli
9. Show yourself some love
Self-love is one of the best remedies for letting go of the past and moving on with your life.
Whatever experience you went through that hurt you may have made you feel less worthy of all life has to offer but it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Showing yourself some love will help remind you that yes, you are worthy of love and everything else you desire.
So take that vacation, take that class you’ve always wanted to take, Say No to things that don’t serve you anymore, do the things that bring you joy and peace of mind and above all, remember to put yourself first.
10. Engage in activities you love
Whatever it is that puts a smile on your face, go do that.
It could be painting, cooking, dancing, singing, sleeping, watching television or movies, playing with the kids, spending time with your loved ones and so on.
Whatever it is that makes you happy will fill your cup and make letting go of a painful past much easier.
11. Be patient with yourself
Letting go of the past isn’t going to happen overnight. It is going to take time and as well sincere effort.
Please be patient with yourself as you would with someone you love. Show yourself as much love and kindness as you can, then let healing take its course.
12. Seek professional help
Implementing all the tips given here may turn out to be a little overwhelming for you or maybe you just can’t get yourself to do them by yourself.
If that is the case, seeking the help of a professional could really be a great idea.
Talking and sharing about your pain could also do great in kick-starting your healing process.
A professional will help you along every step of the way and make the journey much easier.
Closing note
Don’t be too hard on yourself, you will surely get over that painful past and get to live a beautiful fulfilling life, just give yourself all the needed time to heal – that is one of the best things you could ever give your future self.
You deserve a life free of trauma and pain. Give yourself that.
I have not checked in here for a while since I thought it was getting boring, but the last few posts are great quality so I guess I¦ll add you back to my daily bloglist. You deserve it my friend 🙂
Hello fulfillinglifetips.com administrator, Your posts are always a great read.