Ever have conversations with some individuals that leave you with a sense of regret or a wanting of a re-do? I can say I have. Well, having a heaviness in your heart weighted with guilt or regret takes a toll on one’s body. Sometimes we don’t realize there’s a way to work through it. Hopefully these words will help you to make peace with your past.
It can be helpful to process your emotions. The following three points helped me walk through this topic; I hope it does the same for you. Your wisdom may grow and give you more gratitude; also that this will help grow friendships in a healthier way.
Use the following as you see fit; they are not in any particular order.
Acknowledge the struggle
Give yourself permission to recall the event/circumstance that keeps reoccurring in your life and ask yourself:
– What about “this” could I have done differently?
– How were my expectations not met?
– Who or What do I need to let go of?
– Is there anything I can do about it now?
Write it out in a journal if this helps.
Give it to God
Being a believer in Christ, be gently reminded, we have a level of ignorance that He knows about and is acceptable until we learn to do better; this often comes with a weight that only repentance will alleviate. Once we know better, it’s on us to turn to Him and confess our mistakes, as Acts 17:20 says
He knows what’s going on in your heart and mind, so why not let go of that stressor and give it to Him. He’s waiting for you to reach out to Him – maybe just maybe – start a conversation about your struggle with Him. You may be pleasantly surprised on
- how easy it is to do that
- the response you get in return
Believe it or not, when I’m brought to my knees about something that either surfaces again or can’t quite seem to let go of, and I bring it to God, a sense of healing begins to happen. What a freeing experience. It sure makes doing that again easier and better.
Also, not that we need to be reminded of how holding onto your past steals your peace for right now, not to mention it gives Satan a foothold, and you don’t want that do you? Don’t give him that mental space.
Talk to a professional
Talking to someone can be beneficial in many ways, depending on the person that is. In many cases, a close friend could be “your person”. However, some people feel otherwise.
Whether it be your medical professional, who may very well know how to direct you, or a mental health professional, who will hold space for you to talk out your troubles. Heck, they may have helpful tools for you as well.
Many people outside that scope are not capable of hearing what you have to say. By making an assumption, you may bruise that relationship or break the trust you thought was there. You are better off unloading on a journal with God, a professional, or even a trusted friend.
This is something I’ve painfully learned about myself; I’ve shared some things with people and didn’t consider their qualifications. After the words were said, silence followed, the damage was done, and regret left my heart heavy. For a long time, I didn’t know how to handle that until God arrested my heart and showed me a better way.
I’ve come to know that a life coach is not a counselor (unless it’s via profession, then that changed things). However, as a Certified Oola Life Coach, I have resources to direct those who either need or want professional help – and that, my friend, is a blessing!
Let these three ways to make peace with your past be a start to a better today!
If you need a journal, you have come to the right place! Click here (link to journal) to get your own, and you will have a chance to hear from me regularly too.
Until then…Be Grateful. Have faith. Get your Oola life!
