Life is now. I know. It is hard to always live in the present, but it is essential for anyone who wants to enjoy life to the fullest. If you carry all the baggage from the past around with you, the burden will keep you from fully engaging in the here and now. There is a reason they call it baggage. Imagine carrying two  heavy suitcases with you everywhere you go. You would become one bitter person lugging all that weight around to the grocery store and the dry cleaners, failing to see all the beauty around you, bent and exhausted from the tedious task of simply making it from place to place. Hence the saying…carrying emotional baggage.

No. I am not suggesting that you forget the lessons of the past. That would be a waste of good information. I am encouraging you to take the good info that comes your way and stop blaming yourself for the mistakes. Also stop letting anyone else blame you. If there are people in your life who insist on pointing the finger of blame and constantly reminding you of failings from your past, then stop seeing them. They aren’t helping you. We are all works in progress, as they say. With that in mind, the best single thing we can do for ourself is to be kind and forgive ourself for being less than perfect. The past is over. Move on already and be as kind and compassionate to yourself and everyone else as is possible.

If there are people in your past you have hurt, say you’re sorry and mean it. Then move on and try and be kinder to the people you meet today and tomorrow. Let your experience guide you without weighing you down. It’s the baggage that often turns into depression thats saps your energy and becomes too big for us to manage. Typically, antidepressants aren’t the answer. Lifestyle changes and a new mindset will set you free. Absolve yourself. Don’t hide behind alcohol or drugs that can only numb you, leaving you diminished both mentally and physically.

A very wise person once told me to carry a picture of myself with me from when I was a little girl. They suggested I treat myself like that little girl, teaching her things, but always treating her with the compassion and understanding that I would use to teach a child. Scolding is out, encouragement is in. I try and remember this practice with one specific picture of myself in mind when I was six years old.

Move on already. Your good is coming to you today and tomorrow and will shine brighter than ever, as long as you move the clouds of your past out of the way, making room for the sun. Carpe Diem, as they say.

Okay, I’m sitting in bed all covered up and toasty about to dive into a great book while Chuck, my sweet husband is doing bath, book and bed with the kids (God bless that boy!).  Yet, something weighs heavy on my heart – I keep hearing the words, LET IT GO ALREADY!  Did you ever feel like some people around you just need to hear that!  Okay, maybe not just “some people,” perhaps your own spirit, maybe my own soul.

Recently, Charlie and I returned from what we both agreed was one of our best vacations, ever.  I feel somewhat guilty admitting that, since it was just the two of us.  No kids, no family, no other friends.  Don’t get me wrong; I love all of the above  – spending invaluable time with our priceless loved ones.  It’s special, it’s a blast, and I appreciate quality time with friends and family.  However, there’s nothing better than connecting with my best friend in the whole wide world.  And, he loves me  (that’s a miracle in itself!).  We had five blissful days of non-scheduled time filled with indulgences of seafood, hot tubing, shopping and lots more .  We got along swimmingly while enjoying our beautiful condo on the beach overlooking the picturesque Gulf located just above an amazing pool that served drinks with umbrellas!  One night, we decided to go surfing with the dolphins amidst a sunset cruise. I know, I’m a hopeless romantic – I can’t help it, but it sounded breathtaking.  And, it was truly amazing as we marveled over these entertaining dolphins joining us for the journey while riding our wake.  These precious mammals are known for their need for affection, love for attention (no wonder I relate!) coupled with great senses of humor and people-pleasing instincts (again, my esteem for these adorable guys is all making sense now!).

The most memorable part of the cruise was the profound words from our philosophical captain, the point of this post.  As the sun was setting, he encouraged us to hold on to our spouse, enjoy the moment, clear our minds, take a deep breath, appreciate the picture, live in the present and then said these exact words:

“As the sun is setting from the west above the gleaming ocean and as it disappears from our sight remember, this day will never return.  It’s gone forever.  Therefore, forget any negative feelings you harbor in your heart.  Let your fears, anger, bitterness, sadness, disappointments, failures, and regrets disappear with this very sunset.”

“Amen,” I exclaimed from the top deck. Sure, I got some looks, but his words inspired me – enough to journal this exact moment.   After all, like the sunset, all past circumstances are out of our control – evaporated into the night vanished onto the bottom of the ocean floor.   I’ll always view every sunset in this light.  Try it guys  – with every completion to the day, let it go.  A much needed reminder, following the conclusion of today.  Let it go already, and if not for you for the others around you!