Here’s something I come across from many people quite often that I’m sure you see and hear as well.

In fact this is something we have all done at some point in positive and negative ways, and in many cases probably not even realized how much we do it.

What I’m referring to is, looking back in the past.

More specifically, looking back in the past, then comparing it to the present time, and saying things like, “I wish it was the way it used to be” or “Things were better back then” and so on.

Conversely, you’ll also hear many people say things like, “I’m glad the past is over with, it’s time to move on” or “I could never go back to the way things were back then” and other statements that are similar.

In either of these cases it still involves looking back in the past.

While the past has happened already and we obviously can’t go back in time physically, many people do go back in time perceptually…with their thoughts.

These thoughts can be positive or negative ones but it’s the negative ones which creates the emotional baggage that keeps people from living the type of freedom based lifestyle they want.

It is often said to live in the present and not relive the past.

I agree with the first part of that statement but the second part of that statement about reliving the past is interesting.

With this comes the question…

“How much can your past help you?”

1. Yesterday and today- It’s been said by some that your past is part of your present. It’s also been said that your past is not your present. Both of these are true and it certainly depends on your situation which is which.

The events of your past, whether you perceive them as being positive or negative are lessons along the way that you need to evolve and grow.

The flip side to this is, just because something took place in the past, doesn’t mean it will again, therefore your past is not your present in this case.

Scan back through your life and look at the different situations you’ve been in all the way up to the present time and you’ll see this.

Why is doing this important?

Because it gets you to see that your past does serve a purpose.

You see, many times people want to get rid of the “negative” or “bad” moments from their past and just focus on the “positive” or the “good” moments…

Then they’ll compare those moments to what is going on in the present. This is when you’ll hear someone say, “I wish it was like the good old days”, as they’re comparing the positive of the past with what they perceive as the negative of the present.

But guess what?

Those events from the past had just as many negatives as positives just like their present life’s events have just as many positives as negatives.

Therefore both your past and present has an equal amount of positive and negatives and are there to help you.

2. Helping hands- There can be a fine line when it comes to looking back in your past. If you try and “live in the past” it can keep you stuck and stop you from realizing the magnificence and brilliance of who you are.

Conversely, if you try and completely forget about your past, it too can keep you stuck and stop you from realizing your magnificence and brilliance. This is where that fine line comes into play.

It is very wise to maintain a healthy balance of what took place in your past while at the same time realizing that you can’t live in the past.

One of the best ways to do this is to realize that you’ve had an equal amount of support and challenge, ease and difficulty, along with all the other pairs of positives and negatives that have taken place in your past…which are also taking place currently in your life.

This never changes but what does change are the different forms in which things occur for you.

The other thing to be very aware of is that there have been people and events in your past that were there to help you, even in moments where you may have perceived others not helping you.

Once you realize that in every “crisis” there’s a “blessing” and that in every “blessing” there’s a hidden “crisis” you’ll be well on your way to living the type of life you would love to live…

In fact this is also true with all of the other opposites that occur during your lifetime.

3. The path- You’ve heard me say many times that you’re on a life’s journey. Whatever that journey is for you just know that it is your own unique journey. Whereas it may not seem important to others, it is important to you.

Now does this mean that we just completely ignore other people’s life journeys and just think about our own? The answer is “yes” and “no.”

Obviously it is important to stay focused on our all important life’s journey, however we can learn from other people’s life journeys as well.

Their journey just like yours is going to involve using your past to help you along the way as you go down your own path.

While you don’t want to compare yourself to others, you do want to learn from others and then take what you learn and apply it to your own unique situation.

I love this quote so much that it is worth repeating…

“You were born into brilliance and genius, but conditioned into mediocrity.”

Most people are not aware of this and in fact even contribute more to it by arguing for their own limitations. Of course no one is at fault here, it’s just a matter of becoming aware of this and knowing what to do.

One of the things you can do is what I spoke about today, and that is to look at how your past has served you and how you can use that in your life currently. As you do this make sure and pass it on to others so they can do the same.

Now it is time for you to go from mediocrity and back to being the brilliant genius you are because it is your birthright.

And make sure that you realize how magnificent and amazing of a person you are, along with the tremendous amount of value you contribute to the world.