What Role Does a Difficult Past Play in Your Life Now?

For many individuals, the past is not past but remains an ever-present influence in their present life. Even though the physical effects of past events often demand more attention, the psychological legacy may be much more difficult to move on from. If past events are processed as experiences to learn from and grow as a person, pain and upset can be transformed into greater wisdom and strength. However, if not resolved, past challenges keep us hooked into the emotional charge of the time. Loss and Grief Traumatic events often involve losses like ill health, reduced mobility, lost opportunities, dashed hopes, the loss of the person you might have been, and many others depending on your circumstances. Grieving for what is no longer possible or available is a completely natural response and there is no rule about the length and depth of grief. However, if grief sets in as depression and withdrawal from life, it becomes problematic. “Snapping out of it” is generally not an option, but a gradual and gentle re-engaging with life is paramount. Trapped by Blame While blame is a common response to people or circumstances that have caused suffering, it also traps you into emotional bondage to what has been. It keeps you in a state of helpless anger, sometimes even feelings of hate and thoughts of revenge. Letting go of blame does not condone what happened but liberates you to begin life afresh unburdened by negative ties to the past. To free yourself practice a form of f...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Tags: Addiction Aging Grief and Loss Happiness Motivation and Inspiration Perfectionism Recovery Self-Help Success & Achievement acceptance Bereavement Blame Forgiveness Gratitude grieving Optimism Pessimism Present Moment re Source Type: blogs