Life Lessons: Finding Strength and Wisdom in our Past

by Susan Liddy

If you could go back in time and meet 10-year-old you… what do you think you’d say to each other?

If you could again be 17 on the inside, how would that affect your outlook… the choices you make today?

We all have our own pathway. Despite what some may claim, our childhood experiences do shape who we become as adults. It’s an interesting journey full of twists and turns. We learn, we grow, we step outside the lines… sometimes, maybe too much.

Many of us look back with regret, wishing we’d done things differently. Yet, if we spend too much time lamenting the “could haves and should haves,” we tend to ignore what is. And this keeps us from moving forward.

What if you could look back and acknowledge the innocence and passion of your youth with wise and knowing eyes? All that you chose and the experiences you created hold hidden messages and meanings for you. Beneath the top layer of regret, there are treasures buried. This is the place where your strengths and your wisdom are born from.

Feel your feelings, yes. Then acknowledge your brilliance, courage and talent!

You are a gifted and empowered woman…

  • A brilliant mind.
  • A beautiful heart.
  • A spiritual and deep soul.

And yes, you get to create the life of your choosing. All that you’ve experienced has brought you to where and who you are today! What has your past taught you that can move you forward?

Reality Check

All those “younger you’ s” who live inside you… who were rebellious, naive, feisty, curious, artistic… They want to serve you now!

  • Embrace and LOVE them!
  • Listen to them.
  • Feel them.
  • Understand them.
  • Don’t put them down.
  • Allow them to shine through you while YOU make the choices of an adult woman.

Make choices based upon who you are, what fulfills you and brings meaning into your life and the people in it. The same life energy runs through me that runs through you. You’re on the verge of discovering how to tap into that energy and that “thing” that makes you YOU.

Fearless Integration

  • Play with different careers. Stay in awareness of the moments that feel passionate and purposeful for you. Find out what you were meant to do… maybe it’s even a number of different things. Approach your job with the same, open-minded inquisitiveness you had when you were fresh out of school.
  • Open your heart to romance. Let yourself love and be loved… even if only for a fleeting moment. Invite someone in past that protective exterior, to meet the youthful spirit living inside… who yearns for affection, adventure, companionship and passion!
  • Explore new friendships; rekindle old ones. Give all of yourself, should that be your wish. Step out of your circle and welcome relationships with different kinds of people. Allow yourself to learn something from someone new. And take the risk to truly love and find out how lovable you truly are!
  • Take up an old forgotten pastime. Or, take the time to master a few new tricks! Write, paint, dance, kickbox, run, read, create. Volunteer. Do something because a friend invited you and you’ve always wanted to try. Or, do something that no one is doing… just because it’s what you want to do.

Acknowledge and love yourself every step of the way.

Your gifts will all come together and one day you’ll look back on your past and say “right on”! Just like I say “right on” to you now!

Comment on this question:

What empowering lessons has your past taught you?

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Susan Liddy is the author of the “Body Benevolence eBook; 8 Weeks to Loving Your Body” and “The Secrets to Ultimate Living; What You Wish You Knew When You Were 20!”. Find more of her tips and articles to create an ultimate life and an extraordinary business here: SusanLiddy.com

©copyright, All Rights Reserved Internationally, Susan Liddy, Susan Liddy International

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{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }

Karen Chaffee August 14, 2009 at 5:15 am

I recently posted on my blog: When Not To Let Go Of The Past.

Your article today echoes a lot of what I said in that post. The past can serve us well in the here and now when we use it to good advantage. :)

Karen

Cassandra Rae September 5, 2009 at 1:35 pm

What a powerful & well-written post, Susan. Thank you so much for seeing the gift in everything and I say, “Right on!” to you too :~)

Life Coach Susan November 23, 2009 at 12:02 pm

Karen – I completely agree! And, how fun to have shared a bit of serendipity with our similar postings.

Cassandra – Thanks so much! Woot!

Carla Whyte February 18, 2010 at 7:27 pm

I love it when you remind us to think about our little selves! It makes me want to acknowledge them, but not BECOME them. It makes me give my selves a hug!

Tracy February 23, 2010 at 2:07 pm

Wonderful post! I think one of the blessings of children is that they can help remind you of your youth as well.

Debbie@happy Maker March 26, 2010 at 12:30 pm

Hi Susan,
It is nice to remember and you are so right. After reading that I wouldn’t change a thing, because then I would loss who I am today. And today is good.

Debbie

Joanna June 19, 2010 at 6:14 am

Hi Susan,

Thanks for this article. It made me realise things I shoud appreciate in myself and I will definitely look for hem everyday :) ) I also think I wouldn’t change even those things I don’t like about my past … would I be today where I am? and how I am?

Thanks again

Joanna

Marty March 6, 2011 at 3:55 am

I’ve come to realise how looking back with a positive attitude is so much more helpful than engaging with regret. This is good advice. Thank you

Christina Boronkas June 29, 2011 at 5:05 pm

Susan,

This blog came to my email at a very important time of my life. A life long goal, Im about to finish, being a college graduate. On the same side I hold back and dont give my all and allow myself to be fully loved. This has been a area of struggle for me, I dont trust easily and that has become an issue. My past holds alot of my fear for today and I cant seem to let it go. So thank you for this blog, maybe the kick in the pants I needed to look at things and make the changes I need to make.

Thank You,

Christina Boronkas

Donna June 29, 2011 at 5:55 pm

As I reflect on my past and think “if only I did” I would be _____
It is the past that has me a stronger women with the perseverance to
keep on moving forward. New beginnings ahead!

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