Can You Let Go of the Past?

Releasing the old with love

The sooner we let go of holding on, the sooner we can hold on to the beauty of what’s unfolding before us. Nothing was ever meant to stay the same forever. ― Julieanne O’Connor

I had a moment of clarity on the way home from picking up take out food last week. There are times in life when all of a sudden, something makes sense.

For the past few days, I have considered buying a document and photo scanner. I budgeted for it, and I know the one I chose is a good model. However, I found myself resisting buying it. Why was that?

A lightning bolt hit me.

It was because I am afraid of letting go of the past.

Here is the truth. I have four large bins full of photo albums, along with two cabinets housing many more. On my 100-day journey exploring abundance, I find myself craving an overflow of space over old photos.

It has been some time since I went through any of these albums. I am very sentimental. I love photos and memories. However, every day I am a new person.

Why am I hanging on to a past I do not even look at?

Although I have changed so much during the past year, part of me is afraid of letting go. I believe this is an opportunity for me to learn, grow and share my experience with others.

We all have things, situations, and thoughts that we have trouble letting go of.

Holding on to the past makes us feel safe. There are so many unknowns and mysteries in life. If I hold on tight to those carefully made albums, it makes me feel in control.

My inner being, however, asks me: What if you let go?

If I let go, something is waiting for me on the other side. A bright future is full of light, promise, and hope.

That future is what I was resisting.

This will be a journey that I must take. I know in my heart that I will discover something important about myself by going through those photos.

Memories are beautiful, but what we have right in front of us is real.

Today I will order the scanner. It is the beginning of something new. At this very moment, a new me is emerging, and the next moment too.

Truth be told, over a year ago, I borrowed a scanner from a friend. However, I let it sit in the closet. I allowed myself to think that it would be a lot of work to set up. New drivers had to be installed to run it.

I realize the real truth is that I was resisting change. I was not ready to let go.

Now that I will purchase my own scanner, I am prepared to let go.

This project is more than reclaiming space in our garage and family room. It is so much more.

It is about letting go of the past and letting the present moment shine.

By going through my past and facing it, I can create space for something new in my life.

I can accept and love what I have become now. That is a beautiful thing!

It also lets in the possibilities of a more minimalist life and the small cabin home I dream of.

My prayer and intention for you today is to explore what you are resisting letting go of. What mires you in the past? How can let go to create a fresh start, a new you?

Day #77: How will you let go of the past and live in the present?

I am tagging some amazing fellow writers on this journey. They joined me on my 100-day spiritual journey, and it is an honor to have them here on this journey.

I ask that you read their beautiful work here on Medium. Thank you for your generosity! Bob Jasper, Charlotte Zobeir Ali, Rasheed Hooda, Jenine Bsharah Baines, Amy Marley, Gurpreet Dhariwal, Aurora Eliam, CMP, Chowa Sekai, Michele Thill, Terry Mansfield, Tony Young, Jr., Dr John Rose, Vishnu*s Virtues, Noma Dek, Neha Sandhir S, Joe Luca, Tree Langdon, Selma, Sherry S, Melissa Bee, Annick Batamuliza, Annelise Lords, Suntonu Bhadra, Henery X, Lanu Pitan, Nihan Kucukural, Desiree Driesenaar, and many more! Thank you Illumination, Genius in a Bottle, Paper Poetry, and Medium Family!

Trista Signe Ainsworth is a Professional Organizer at Joyful Minimalism. She guides clients on a personal growth journey through their homes.

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