Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” (Soren Kierkegaard)
My friends, have you ever sat down after a major accomplishment, or in frustration after a misfortune or failure, and asked yourself “how did I get here, how did this happen”? I think most of us would agree that we have experienced this at some time in life, no doubt on multiple occasions.
I have definitely had my fair share of “how did I get here, how did this happen” moments. Meningitis took my eye sight, robbed me of much of my hearing, and dramatically changed the course of my entire life.
I have learned that dwelling on what life used to be like and what I have lost, is living life backwards. We each must make a decision not to let the past dictate our future. Those who choose to live in the past are robbing themselves of their full potential. The person you are today can be understood by the past, but who you can become is not limited by what has already happened.
This next Saturday I have the privilege of going on a 75-mile bike ride down to San Diego with a good friend of mine. A few years ago, I could never have imagined doing this. I was letting my past illness and what I had lost continue to influence what activities I could imagine being a part of, and letting it affect an overall positive vision for the future. I couldn’t get past the fact that I was blind and hearing impaired, and blind people just don’t ride bikes. Fortunately, I have learned that I was definitely wrong!
The past is a huge part of who we all are, and we must learn from it, but living life forward means we press on in our journey to become all that God created us to be.
What has happened in your past that might be holding you back, perhaps illness, disability, mistakes, failures, abuse, or limiting beliefs? Decide today not to let negative past events or circumstances dictate who you are today and who you can become. Focus instead on a special future.
I want you to know that, no matter what hand life has dealt you, you do have what it takes! In your own special way, you have greatness within you, and always remember that the best is yet to come!
We are all on our own journey, and it is important to understand the past, hope for the future, but to live in the present!