By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Writer
Are you one of those people who allow past misadventures to prevent you from striving for a successful future? I hope not.
Although I am painfully aware of how devastating life can be when challenges have left you devastated, and everything seem like a never-ending set of problems, it is important to realize that even if others are responsible for your misfortunes, you are the only one who has the power to leave the past behind — and restart your success plan.
Here are some suggestions to assist in reclaiming your well-being and moving ahead with confidence:
- Let go of the past and forgive others who are the cause of your challenges. Stop giving your nemesis free rental space in your head.
- Decide what you want to accomplish and set a reasonable timeline.
- Find a capable source of support to assist you to implement your plan.
- Use the lessons learned from your past as the foundation for re-starting.
- Be realistic. Do not expect overnight success.
- Acknowledge your blessings and celebrate simple improvements.
Four Tips To Help You Stop Looking Back
There is a profound reason why your car’s windshield is larger than the rear view mirror. Your focus must be in front of you.
There’s nothing wrong with glancing back to see how far you have come, but that, in itself, should give you the courage to move forward with gusto, hope and confidence.
Too often we use past challenges as excuses to curtail our future, instead of viewing lived experiences as building blocks, on which to construct a more fulfilling life.
For some people moving forward is quite easy. For many others forgetting the past is an overwhelming challenge; because of negative memories and people, lack of support, as well as the need for clarity as to the best way to plan ahead.
Here are four tips to help you cross over the bridge — from being scared to…
“Yes, I can”.
- Forgive yourself and others for past misadventures.
- Realize that you are the only one who can improve your life.
- Focus on the blessings which you have, instead of the negatives.
- Be willing to seek emotional and spiritual assistance as you move forward.
In Sisterhood!
Award-winning Ettie Rutherford, B.Ed, Dip.Ed, M.Ed, is an educator, life coach, consultant and author of “Why Perch Like A Chick When You Can Soar Like An Eagle?”. An accomplished public speaker, Ettie is the Founder and CEO of Women Are Worthy, which provides step-by-step strategies for women to achieve their goals, with a minimum amount of stress. She can be reached at ettie@womenrworthy.com
