Let your past be a source of strength, not a burden; let it be your teacher, not your excuse.

You know that quote “If I knew then, what I know now” 

Or how about “Hindsight is 20/20”

Yea – there are quite a few well-known phrases that remind us that the past should be our teacher; but … we don’t actually apply it to our lives very often now, do we? 

Fact: We ALL have scars from our past – big, small, gapping, fading – everyone’s got them! (and if you don’t think you do – you do. Sorry friend. Just ask someone who knows you well and they’ll tell ya).

Fact: We ARE stronger because of our scars – wiser because of our mistakes – and better because of our pain.

I think we often use our experiences to justify or excuse our bad behavior or defeatist thinking. I know I have. It’s SO easy for me to think about giving up on everything. Why bother trying? I lost my mom. I lost my husband. I’m over 40. What is the point of all of this?

But then also – I lost my mom, I lost my husband, and I wake up every day proud of myself for surviving something that could have destroyed me! That knowledge has helped me be hopeful in spite of it all. I am committed to finding joy. I wake up alive & healthy and I’m only in my early 40s!

Maybe I’m just a dangerous optimist, but I think we have so many wonderful things to learn & embrace from our struggles. Yes, they are hard and they hurt and I am NOT going to sit here and pretend that I don’t cry and wish things were different. But I firmly believe that God would not put me through this if He didn’t have something worthwhile on the other side.

But we all know the quote that experience is the best teacher …

So here we are, then!

Our past can be our greatest strength if we let it! Think about how far you’ve come, what you have endured & survived! Give yourself a minute to be proud of the fact that you’re still standing! Learn from the things that hurt you and allow them to help you evolve into a wiser, tougher, kinder you!

I don’t believe that anything in our life is an accident. I believe that God has a plan for every good, bad, and insignificant thing that happens to us. I also believe it’s our job to pay attention and act or respond accordingly!

My prayer for you today is that when you think about your life, you find gratitude and appreciation for each and every experience you’ve had. Even the crappy ones. Because they are ALL here to make you the best version of yourself – if you are open to letting it!

XO

Tay