How many of us find ourselves stuck in life because we are only looking at our lives through the rear view mirror? I went to the movie “Love Happens” tonight and the movie touched me in several ways causing me to really think about what is truly important in life and I must admit that a few tears were shed.
There is a scene in the movie where a man is struggling with letting go of the guilt he is feeling over his son’s death and it is very clear that he has remained stuck in the past unable to truly forgive himself, relieve the guilt and move beyond the pain of the past and the loss suffered. The main character Burke reminds him that he is living his life looking in the rear view mirror and that if he cannot look forward he will remain stuck in the past which is filled with so much pain and regret.
This scene really moved me because I could relate to this concept on so many levels. I have spent much of my life looking in the rear view mirror unable to forgive myself for mistakes made or for losses suffered. The result was a life filled with pain, regret and negative patterns that kept me stuck and anchored to the past and prevented me from living true to my heart and enjoying each and every gift of “today” given.
This is not a rare scene and unfortunately far too many people are struggling with these same things and are unable to look at the beauty of life in front of them because they are too busy looking in that rear view mirror. I challenge all of you to really take a step back and be honest with yourselves. How often are you looking back instead of forward and how stuck do you feel?
The good news is that there is hope to change this pattern and it can begin with the lessons learned in forgiveness. To forgive and let go of pain from the past can open your world to so much freedom, peace and joy. I know all too well that this is not an easy task but if you can find the courage to do it; the rewards are priceless and can change your life.
While the rear view mirror can be necessary at times keep in mind that what is most important is what lies in front of you and what that something is often depends on you!
In Peace-
Michele