Stop living in the past

The saying for which this phrase is probably most famous dates back to the 17th century when James Howell, an Anglo-Welsh historian and writer, used the phrase “No weeping for shed milk” in his book, “Proverbs in 1659”.

Over the years, this saying has been modified to the more popular versions it is today - “No use crying over spilt milk” or “Don’t cry over spilt milk”. However, the meaning has essentially remained the same: there's no point in being upset, and remaining so, over something that has already happened and cannot be changed, especially as the clock keeps on ticking and the earth continues its revolution no matter what.

“Crying over spilt milk” is a phrase synonymous to living in the past. And the admonition not to do so is simply an admonition that it is not advisable, however comforting it may be, to dwell on an irreversible mistake or unfortunate circumstance for too long. The better alternative is to pick up the pieces and try to make something worthwhile out of what is left, in whatever way possible. It may be hard, but that’s the only true way forward.

Sometimes, we make very costly, defining errors which chill us to the bone. It may be easier to wallow in self-pity and regrets and thinking of the what-could-have-beens. However, it’s more important to take those errors as learning curves, as stepping stones on which to leap onto greater things.

Instead of dwelling on the mistake, why not take as much information from that mistake and learn from it so it’s not repeated. Or better still, so an improvement is made.

The unpleasantness of a sorrowful past when remembered with sorrow always leaves with it a bitter taste. It causes one to forget the pleasantness of the present and fall back into the terribleness of that past. Memories can be good, even the bad ones. What we have to do with the bad ones is use them to propel us forward, not hold us back.

The simple truth is that life doesn’t offer enough time to dwell on negative incidents. There is a need to move on because time doesn’t take a pause to allow you to gather yourself. As it is bluntly said, “Life goes on”, so one can’t truly afford to live in the past.

Note that this is not meant to discount the recommended grieving needed to heal from a loss. And while it may generally seem somewhat rude and insensitive, especially to a grieving person, it is perhaps necessary to jolt back to the reality of the present, someone who got lost staying in the past. Basically, take as much time as is needed to get over it, but don’t take too much.

Don't dwell too much on that thing that has happened,move forward,plan another thing,take another step because dwelling on that mistake will only leave you in one position.

I hope you are feeling great in this season.

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