We all do a balancing act between honoring our past – or losing ourselves in it. Some of us (I do this more than I should) dwell on the mistakes of years gone by. In reality, what one should do is focus on the present, and forgive ourselves for what we did or how we acted way back when. Maybe to heal, we need to just let go of the past.
If you are like me, sometimes the hardest thing is letting go. It could be a dream, a feeling of resentment, jealousy, or a relationship. Even though we are so traumatized by the event, we should learn to really just let it go. We sometimes get caught in a merry-go-round clinging to what was. So, if you’re struggling right now, here are some words that might help you let it go.
Let Go of the Past
Forgiving means you have to let go of the past,
Remember how or why your life’s dice were cast.
What happened in your past, for reasons unknown,
Let the cards fall where they may, let your story be shown.
You cannot change bygones, no matter how hard you try,
They still will be there in the past, no matter how hard you cry.
Use the failed lessons of the days of long ago,
To aid in your present conflicts to lessen the blow.
Your past has no power over tomorrow or today,
Don’t let the mistakes of yesterday get in your way.
Don’t let the thoughts you conquered long ago,
Invade your present and be a forever relentless foe.
What done is done, and the past should stay in the past,
All the blunders you made back then, you can outlast.
Use hurtful memories; don’t allow the memories to use you,
Doing that, today and the future will have a different view.
Let your failures of yesterday explain how you got here,
Use those memories to make today and tomorrow more clear.
Don’t let sorrows dictate to you, and use what you have been given,
Live not for the past, but for today. Get up, get out, and start living.
Kurt James was born and raised in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. With family roots in western Kansas and having lived in South Dakota for 20 years Kurt naturally had become an old western and nature enthusiast. Over the years Kurt has become one of Colorado’s prominent nature photographer’s through his brand name of Midnight Wind Photography. His poetry has been featured in the Denver Post, PM Magazine and on 9NEWS in Denver, Colorado. Kurt is also a feature writer for HubPages and Creative Exiles with the article’s focused on Colorado history, ghost towns, outlaws, and poetry. Inspired at a young age by writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour and Max Brand have formed Kurt’s natural ability as a storyteller. Kurt has published 7 novels all based in and around the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Using the Midnight Wind Publishing brand Kurt has also released a poetry collection called the wandering man collection - Poetry and Thoughts of a Wandering Man - (Uniquely Colorado edition) and now this collection - Poetry and Reflections of a Wandering Man (Random Thoughts edition). Kurt has also published 3 historical reference books, and one humor book. All are available in print or download on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads and other fine bookstores. And a few shady bookstores as well. Kurt is working on his 9th Colorado adventure tale novel “Rocky Mountain Moonshiner”.
Kurt James was born and raised in the foothills of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. With family roots in western Kansas and having lived in South Dakota for 20 years Kurt naturally had become an old western and nature enthusiast. Over the years Kurt has become one of Colorado’s prominent nature photographer’s through his brand name of Midnight Wind Photography. His poetry has been featured in the Denver Post, PM Magazine and on 9NEWS in Denver, Colorado. Kurt is also a feature writer for HubPages and Creative Exiles with the article’s focused on Colorado history, ghost towns, outlaws, and poetry. Inspired at a young age by writers such as Jack London, Louis L’Amour and Max Brand have formed Kurt’s natural ability as a storyteller. Kurt has published 7 novels all based in and around the Colorado Rocky Mountains. Using the Midnight Wind Publishing brand Kurt has also released a poetry collection called the wandering man collection - Poetry and Thoughts of a Wandering Man - (Uniquely Colorado edition) and now this collection - Poetry and Reflections of a Wandering Man (Random Thoughts edition). Kurt has also published 3 historical reference books, and one humor book. All are available in print or download on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads and other fine bookstores. And a few shady bookstores as well. Kurt is working on his 9th Colorado adventure tale novel “Rocky Mountain Moonshiner”.
Great poem, Kurt. I especially like ‘Let your failures of yesterday explain how you got here’. I am guilty of dwelling on the past, one part of it in particular. I know you’re right but the difficulty is when it has affected others, loved ones. Your philosophy still stands and I will try to remember it more often.
Thank you!
Thank you, Ann, I think all of us as we grow older have a tendency to dwell in the past more than we should… Thanks for stopping by my campfire and leaving a wonderful compliment. Much appreciated.
Kurt, I read your poem, each word hitting home and tugging at my heartstrings with certain memories that are hard to let go of. Then I read it all again, slowly, and felt a tinge of healing start to grow deep within me. I am looking now at myself as the one who needs the forgiveness. Thank you for spiritually being there for me, my friend. Well done. Well done indeed.
Thank you for stopping by Phyllis, always look forward to your comments. Makes my heart sing that you find meaning and the spirit of this piece as I intended it to be.
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There is a wonderful message and advice in your words, Kurt. A good reminder to learn from and let go of the past.
Thanks for stopping by John and leaving a nice compliment. Very much appreciated.
Kurt this is just excellent. Flow and cadence are almost perfect. The message is spot on. Nice work
Thanks Paul always feels good to get compliment from a poet such as yourself!
Great poem, Kurt. I especially like ‘Let your failures of yesterday explain how you got here’. I am guilty of dwelling on the past, one part of it in particular. I know you’re right but the difficulty is when it has affected others, loved ones. Your philosophy still stands and I will try to remember it more often.
Thank you!
Ann
Thank you, Ann, I think all of us as we grow older have a tendency to dwell in the past more than we should… Thanks for stopping by my campfire and leaving a wonderful compliment. Much appreciated.
Thank you for your poetry Kurt. Letting go and moving on are two very important life lessons. Jamie
Thanks for stopping by my campfire Jamie and commenting on this piece. It is a couple of life lessons that I have to keep reminding myself about…
Kurt, I read your poem, each word hitting home and tugging at my heartstrings with certain memories that are hard to let go of. Then I read it all again, slowly, and felt a tinge of healing start to grow deep within me. I am looking now at myself as the one who needs the forgiveness. Thank you for spiritually being there for me, my friend. Well done. Well done indeed.
Thank you for stopping by Phyllis, always look forward to your comments. Makes my heart sing that you find meaning and the spirit of this piece as I intended it to be.