Step out of the shadow of the past

Everyone wants to live a happy life and create a better future for themselves.

- B.K. GEETA

Having the fundamental resources, such as good health, a sound mind, and adequate wealth, helps in this. But often people who seemingly have everything, lead an unhappy existence. Self-doubt, excessive focus on their shortcomings, and guilt and shame over past mistakes warp their self-perception, trapping them in a cycle of gloomy thoughts.

Self-doubt paralyzes us by causing hesitation and overthinking, making it difficult to take decisive action. Even when we get ourselves to act, self-doubt whispers that our efforts will not be enough, leading us to give up prematurely. We may avoid challenging situations or opportunities altogether, which limits our growth.

Fixating on our weaknesses skews our self-image and we see ourselves as inadequate. It also feeds our insecurity, which then confirms our negative self-beliefs. But it is remaining stuck in the past that probably does the most damage. Guilt and shame tie our identity to our worst moments. When we are held hostage by the past, our memories, emotions, and the resultant beliefs prevent us from fully engaging with the present or imagining a different future.