“Heal the past, live the present, dream the future.” —Mary Engelbreit

The mind is an extraordinary vessel. Its capacity cannot be understated. As with any receptacle, it is limited in the information it can contain. If it’s overloaded with the pain of your past, it has little to no room for your present or your future.

There is a difference between being reminiscent of the past and living in the past. Thinking of fond memories brings with it, a feeling of nostalgia, that can’t be underestimated. Even re-visiting an experience, for context, is often necessary. We draw on our experiences—the good and the bad—to help us navigate life. But living in the past is toxic and unproductive—a practice that will most certainly derail you.

There should be a healthy balance between the two. If you’re perpetually looking back, how will you navigate the path before you? If you don’t recognize the gift of the present, how will you forge new experiences and create new memories? If you can’t see the path forward, how will you brave the journey ahead?

Letting go is liberating. Living in the moment is exhilarating. Looking forward is inspiring.

YOU decide if you will move through each phase seamlessly or allow the past to disrupt your growth and end your journey prematurely.

It’s time to let go.

#pushpasthepain

#itsuptoyou

#thinkbetter

#seebetter

#dobetter

“Cutting people out of your life doesn’t mean you hate them, it simply means you respect yourself. Everyone is not meant to stay.” —Unknown

Knowledge is determining who and what adds value to your life.

Understanding is coming to grips with the fact that those people or things can no longer remain in your orbit.

Wisdom is taking the necessary steps to remove them from your inner circle—for a season or indefinitely.

You must be willing to protect your peace—at all costs.

“There is no competition because no one can be me.” —Unknown

Comparing yourself to others is toxic; especially when you don’t fully understand the tragedy and triumph that makes them who they are—that has positioned them for success.

The only person you should be in competition with is the person you were yesterday.

#growthmindset

#pushpastperceptions

#celebratethesuccessofothers

“Life is changing all the time and if we fail to change with it we get left behind.” — Brian Colbert

Change is inevitable, necessary, and most often, good.

Change doesn’t need, nor will it ask for your approval. It is unpredictable and unforgiving.

Life demands change and change demands resilience.

The resilient and the resolute will weather the storm, embrace the inevitability of change, and emerge stronger because of it.

“The struggle is part of the story.” — Unknown

Embrace the struggle.

Every. Single. Part.

“Long term success is a direct result of what you achieve everyday. Goals provide your daily routine.” — Rick Pitino

Success, whatever it means to you, is achieved one decision and one step at a time.

What you do each day matters.

“Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness we will discover the infinite power of our own light.” Brene’ Brown

When we embrace “the darkness” and allow the light within to lead and guide us, we will find ourselves on the other side of it.

The light will be your strength, your peace, and your refuge when you trust it.

#Godislight

#lightdispelsdarkness

#theonlywayoutistogothrough

#fromstrengthtostrength

#lightovercomesdarkness

“You must learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be.” —Marianne Williamson

We are literally at war with our thoughts—often left defeated on the battlefield of the mind. But we don’t have to stay there.

Life begins when you commit to change the quality and health of your mind and begin to align your thoughts with those that build up vs. tear down.

It all starts in the mind.

“Surround yourself only around people who are going to lift you higher.” —Oprah Winfrey

Periodically ask yourself, “Does this friendship/relationship add or diminish value in my life? Will this person challenge or hinder my growth and development? Will removing this person significantly improve or adversely impact my life?

Be intentional and strategic with who you allow in your inner circle.

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.” —Wayne Dyer

What you focus on matters.

If you’re locked into all that’s wrong in your life, those things will be magnified and become your reality.

Seeing the good in the worst of situations is difficult, but necessary.