You have a past.

More than likely, there are memories tucked in the back of your mind you can't quite shake. Things you wish didn't happen. Words you wish you hadn't said. Moments you'd rewind in a heartbeat if you could.

But you keep replaying them. You keep apologizing for them. You keep wishing someone had done something different. Which is natural. It's just not always helpful.

Years ago, I was reading a book by author Rick Warren, and a line hit me hard: "We are products of our past, but we don't have to be prisoners of it."

Too often, your past becomes your current-day jail cell. You can see exactly how you want the future to look, but the bars of your past keep you from getting there.

That doesn't mean pretend it didn't happen. That doesn't mean skip the lessons. It means stop letting yesterday steal today.

Focus on the present so you can impact the future.

Today is your day to make a conscious decision to let the past go. To focus on the present so you can positively impact the future.

P.S. The Optimistic Outlook is a Podcast! Leaving a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts would mean a lot.