This Is How You Learn To Let Go Of The Past

After our breakup, I’d often glance back at old photos, read our messages and reminisce about all the good times we had.

It obviously didn’t help with my situation, but it was strangely one of the few things that actually gave me comfort. Despite the pain, it felt familiar, in a good way — like rewatching your favorite cartoon shows as a kid and I couldn’t help but continue holding onto the past.

But one day, as I was transferring files from an old computer to a new one, I accidentally deleted everything. The folder with over 9 years worth of memories, photos, and messages — poof! 

Everything was gone, just like that.

It’s been almost 4 1/2 years since I’ve deleted the folder and now I have to say, I’m glad it happened. I’m glad I no longer feel stuck in a past that won’t ever help me grow.

If I hadn’t made this mistake, I might’ve still been reminiscing and holding on to the past, preventing myself from ever moving forward to the future. Who knows if I could’ve become the person I am today?

But looking back at the whole experience, it’s made me realize that the only way to build a promising future is if you give up on the past.

Sure, it might feel good to hold onto your past now, but what happens when those feelings are gone? What will you be doing? 

Sometimes it’s better just to let everything go. Anything that has to do with the past, delete it — photos, text, emails, everything. It might be one of the most difficult things you’ll have to do, but the sooner you do it, the sooner you have a chance at rebuilding your life.

As someone once said, “Your journey will be much lighter and easier if you don’t carry your past with you.”