How to gracefully let go of the past

It is common to hear people talk about moving on. Some do it relatively fast and easily, while others stay stuck in one place for a while. What exactly does it mean to ‘move on’?

It simply means the ability to let go of situations and get on with other new things. It can be both a psychological shift as well as a physical one. Once you have decided to let go of a certain situation, the next step should be, “What next from here?”

Here are some ways to fast track this move.

Keep your mind off the troublesome situation Moving on begins in the mind. If you keep on thinking about the issue you wish to let go of, it will not disappear. Remember that your thoughts become your reality.

For example, if your relationship has not worked out, stop going over every detail in your mind. Accept the outcome and keep your mind busy with other things. The same applies to other areas.

If, say, you were unfairly sacked from a cherished job, do not think about it for too long. Set your mind on what to do next. When you keep on thinking about issues, you can paralyse your ability to keep moving.

Do not talk about the matter all the time Psychologists say that the more you speak out the faster you heal. This is true to some extent, and professional counselling is often very helpful.

What is not useful however, is the idea of rehashing what you have been through. Whatever happened happened, but you do not have to dwell on it. If you find yourself talking about the same thing year in and year out, to anyone who cares to listen, you will

end up stuck in a rut. If, five years down the road, you are still going on about how badly your man treated you, you may need to seek professional help.

KEEP YOURSELF BUSY

When you find yourself drowning in bitter memories, it could mean that you do not have enough to do to occupy your time. It is time to get busy.

Set off to work early and make sure that you are inundated with work so that the day flies without your mind wandering off. If you do not have a job, volunteer your services. Visit children’s homes and spend the day taking care of them, or offer to run someone’s errands. .

GET A LIFE

Make  your life as interesting and as occupied as can be. Anything that consumes and drives you enough to make you get up with anticipation every morning is enough to get you moving on.

Do not stay stuck otherwise you could well wake up 10 years later still in the same old situation. Always think NEXT!