The past is the time before this moment. The past is a term used to indicate the totality of events that occurred before a given point in time. The past is contrasted with and defined by the present and the future. The concept of the past is derived from the linear fashion in which human observers experience time, and is accessed through memory and recollection.

Humans are curious, questioning, and inquisitive creatures. Our ancestors stared at the night sky and wonder with fear as they experience the disappearance of the sun by night. They were triumphant in the day when the sun returns. They witnessed the cycles of births and deaths, seasons and years, and these observations made them curious for answers. The search for, and discovery of explanations, and meaning contributed to the development of culture. Culture is that shared body of acquired knowledge that humans live by and pass on to each successive generation. Human curiosity and ingenuity have allowed cultures to evolve and flourish on the earth.

In this modern era, we understand much more than our ancestors did about the earth and the heavens, some old questions remain unanswered while new discoveries have yielded new questions. We continue to ponder the mysteries around us and seek to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to satisfy our needs and solve our problems. By studying the past, we learn how and why people lived as they did throughout the world and the changes and causes of such changes, that occurred within these cultures. We study the past to acquire a broader and richer understanding of our world today and our place in it.

Our past, present, and future is intimately linked to our memories. Scientists know now that the same brain processes we use to remember the past, enable us to plan the future and imagine different possible scenarios. Recent research even suggests that in depressed people, impaired memory not only makes it difficult for remembering past events, but also to imagine different outcomes, making their situation feel even more dire. Memory is not just for remembering. It is becoming increasingly apparent that memory has an important role to play in other functions that directly impact our psychological well-being.

Past experiences can be our best friends or worst enemies; they can help us, or haunt us; propel us, or cripple us. Unfortunately for many, our past is more an enemy than a friend. It is time you acknowledge your painful past that has been limiting you. One of the ingredients necessary for an effective and productive life is to make sure you deal with the issues of your past. The truth is, your painful past that has not been dealt with affects your present moment in a negative way. You must deal with it and let go of it. Your past determines your future. They are both linked.

You must be honest with yourself to deal with your past. Don’t shy away from the tough questions. Answer these questions with truth and honesty. You don’t need to deceive yourself as you want the very best for you. Stop bringing your past baggage into your present life. The bad things in your past that you have not dealt with, like personality problems, emotional issues, relational difficulties and physical struggles create internal and external problems that can jeopardise your relationships.

Words are nothing without action. Letting go of your past is easy to say. Letting go of your past can include coping with death, divorce, or a breakup. Letting go of your past, whether that means quitting an addictive relationship or grieving a death can be one of the hardest things you’ll ever do. Even if it was an unhealthy relationship, you may still struggle to let go. It’s not easy, but there are practical ways to let go of your past and move on. Before you delve into letting go and saying goodbye to your past, however, you may need to face your memories and experiences.

You need to learn how to tap into your thoughts and memories. Your subconscious mind contains an enormous amount of knowledge, memories and wisdom that you are probably greatly underutilising. Learning to unlock your subconscious mind can unleash your true potential and radically transform your life. The past holds solutions to most of the problems you are going through now. The point is, you see only the negative. Your subconscious prefers to talk to you without words. Words are the domain of your conscious and logical mind. Your subconscious prefers images, music and sounds. Tapping into your creative side can help your subconscious express itself. You begin to see valuable lessons in your painful past and it becomes a blessing. Your subconscious mind is always available to you, once you know the way to unlock it.

Things were not like this before you got to this place of most difficulties. You did the best you could. When you’re facing your failures, know that you were as good, loving, and effective as you could have been. If you were to go back, you couldn’t do anything differently because that’s who you were and that’s what you knew then. It’s done. Let go of your past. Understand that there’s nothing you can do to change the past. The past is what it is, the past. The past has nothing to do with you, it has nothing to do with this moment. Do not let anything from your past inhibit this moment. Start over, start afresh.

Things don’t disappear on their own. You need to make the commitment to “let it go.” If you don’t make this conscious choice up-front, you could end up self-sabotaging any effort to move on from this past hurt. Making the decision to let it go, also means accepting you have a choice to let it go. Letting it go is to stop reliving the past pain, to stop going over the details of the story in your head every time you think of the past.

Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life; define yourself. Stop thinking you are a reject and unwanted, or someone less than others. If you do, you will end up sabotaging the good things coming your way. Let go of the past hurt and stay focused with this moment. You must accept who you are. But, who are you? Who are you now, and how do you see yourself? You may have been a victim in the past, but you’re still here, despite everything that the world’s thrown at you. In my opinion, that makes you a survivor. You may not feel it, but you’re strong.

Your past is always going to be something that happened to you; that doesn’t mean it needs to define you, restrict you, and dictate your future life. The only person who can control the situation you’re in is you. You can do this. You, and only you, have the power. And that’s why you’re not a victim. Deal with your past and move on. You’ve been through enough already. It’s time for things to get better.