Let Go of Your Past: Embrace What Really Matters to You

False ideas about ourselves, when unexamined, undermine our happiness. They keep us from creating fulfilling relationships and satisfying careers. Without knowing what is happening we live within the constraints that surrounded us when we were children. And outgrowing our original conditioning; stepping beyond these early limitations to embrace our futures with enthusiasm -- well these are some of the greatest challenges we all face.

Anyone who wants to take charge of their own life must feel free enough to pursue a future that belongs to them. In order to free ourselves from the past, from the conditioning that inhibits our self-expression and decreases the amount of joy possible for us, we must wake up to who we really are – we must reconnect with our essential nature. And most importantly, we must choose our own unique purpose and direction.

Begin with Self Inquiry

Claiming our authentic dreams begins with some form of self- inquiry. Questions like the ones that follow open us up to choices we might never have previously considered for ourselves. Give these questions some time and consideration. Even better, write your answers down. More will come as you put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard. When you write, go with the first things that come into your mind. Don’t edit or censor your words. Let them flow out of you. Give yourself permission to explore fully.

1. Who am I really and what do I want?

2. What is possible for me?

3. What do I hope might happen?

4. What fascinates me?

5. What inspires me?

6. What feels good to me?

7. What do I honestly desire and choose for myself?

8. What holds me back?

9. What am I willing to do about it?

Until we know what we want; what really matters to us in the depths of our private hearts, we are moving forward in life with a missing ingredient. We become full when we embrace our desires and focus upon them. With that fullness we have so much more to share.

Let's face it good relationships begin within. Our relationships benefit when we are intimate with our own selves. Yes, it feels risky and takes courage to admit our hopes and to pursue our dreams. And there are many who would rather choose comfort and safety.

Go For Your Dreams

If you are ready to go for it; if you are ready to stretch into your future reaching for your authentic dreams, then you owe it to yourself to let go of any thoughts or ideas that might be holding you back. Embrace the thoughts that uplift you and give them your attention regularly.

Authentic living and healthy relating requires us to be current with ourselves; to outgrow our histories and to come fully alive in the present moment. When we care about our own dreams we become better parents, partners and friends. We know what it takes to keep going in the face of fears and doubts. And with this knowledge we are much more equipped to inspire those around us to go for their dreams too.