How to build a brighter future
Break free from your past first
How do we build a brighter future? It's a good question at the start of a new year.
I believe that we build a brighter present and future by breaking free from our past.
By breaking the chains that bind us.
By making choices and taking actions that are different to the ones that previously led us, or our parents or ancestors, down painful pathways towards heartache, pain and self-sabotage.
In simple terms, we build a brighter present and future by doing things differently to how we’ve done them before.
What can you do, today, this week, this month or this year to create a present and a future that isn’t dictated by your past, or your mother’s past, or your father’s past, or your grandparents’ past; that isn’t shaped by the faulty template you may have inherited at birth or acquired in your early years?
Here are some examples of how to break free from unhealthy past patterns and build a courageous, authentic and joyful life:
If, in the past, you censored yourself and didn’t speak up, today you can have a voice.
If, in the past, you allowed others to infringe on your rights, today you can set boundaries and stand up for yourself.
If, in the past, you were hard on yourself or unkind to yourself, today you can shower yourself with grace, compassion, acceptance and love.
If, in the past, you allowed your fear of intimacy to lead you into relationships with unavailable people, today you can make a choice to face your fear of intimacy and to heal the wounds that caused that fear to take root.
If, in the past, you abandoned your dreams and neglected your heart’s desires, today you can make a choice to honour your dreams and pursue your heart’s desires.
If, in the past, you isolated and hid, today you can make a choice to connect and to be seen.
If, in the past, you numbed your feelings with food, booze or used other ways to escape your emotions, today you can find the courage to put down those survival tools and feel all of your feelings so that you can heal.
This is what I try to do.
Every day.
To create a present and future that isn’t dictated by my past, or my mother’s past, or her mother’s past, or my father’s past, or his father’s past.
To live courageously, not fearfully.
To shine rather than hide.
To speak up rather than be silent.
To be kind to myself rather than cruel.
To be true to myself rather than wear a mask.
To choose a different present and future.
I don’t always succeed. Sometimes the fear takes hold.
But my intention is strong and I am very determined.
I know you are too.
I know you have it in you to break free from your past and create a brighter present and future.
It doesn’t have to happen overnight and you don’t have to make any grand gestures or take any momentous leaps.
You can edge yourself forwards. Take baby steps. Practise gentleness and self-acceptance. Soothe your fears as you go. Hold your own hand and asks others to hold your hand too.
And, at the same time, you can honour yourself, cherish yourself, believe in yourself, take the necessary uncomfortable actions and prioritise your hopes and dreams.
I wish you the brightest of days and the best of years.
Workshops on Love & Life & Free Self-Love Course
To support you to build a brighter present and future, I’m offering some wonderful discounted online workshops this week (recordings are available if you can’t join live). Explore them all via the button below.
Relight Your Fire - Find Your Passion and Purpose - This Sunday January 5th. Designed for those who’d like to shake up their careers and bring their true talents into the world. Join for half-price using the code newyeargift
How to Find Healthy Love - This Tuesday January 7th. Designed for women who are looking for a healthy relationship with an emotionally available partner. Join for half-price using the code newyeargift
Free 4-Day Self-Love Course - Including daily bite-sized videos and reflections on self-connection, self-honesty, self-compassion and self-acceptance. Click below for all the details.