“The chains that bind us the most closely, are the ones we have broken.” — Antonio Porchia
Living your life while looking through a rear view mirror, is not living. The choices made through life’s continuing experiences, precipitate exactly where you are in this moment. Look to no other except yourself, and blame no other except yourself, the responsibility lies within you and no one else. This is succinctly stated by Lao Tzo, “Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is enlightenment.”
This process is not one in which is prescribed, ordered or selected as you would an article of clothing. Becoming accountable and responsible for everything you do, say, believe, negotiate or assume is owned wholly and completely by you. Of course, you can move throughout life and live as Edmund Burke describes in this passage, “Hypocrisy can afford to be magnificent in its promises; for never intending to go beyond promise, it costs nothing,” however, you will always know the truth that lies within you. Truth becomes the fire that sustains every man in the light of his existence. You cannot run from it, any more than you can run from yourself. You may repeatedly try, but you will repeatedly fail.
Individuals that toxically surround themselves in a veil of “the past,” permeate the atmosphere with self pity, self loathing, sadness, depression, victimology and a silent scream of continuing neediness and sympathy. In the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson an individual encompassing these traits may reflect more positively embracing this thought, “We are always getting ready to live, but never living.” Once you understand that there is absolutely nothing that can be done about the past . . . accept it, move on and begin to embrace life . . . consciously.
Excuses . . . everyone has heard and will not accept as substantive. Where ever you are in life, stand up, take responsibility for your past choices, become creative within your own life, then let it go. Those who enter your life experience without burdening them with your baggage, will sincerely appreciate the blessed gift of a “freed soul.” Be cognitive of what your conduct, behavior, attitude, perspective, perception and intent project on others using this thought of Eric Fromm, “Man always dies before he is fully born. Creativeness means to be born before one dies.” Time is of the essence, and using your personal enlightenment with education, brings empowerment not only to you, but to those who touch the aura of your existence, while accepting the totality of their being. JLR