One of the keys to living an extraordinary life is staying present and in the moment. Far too much time is spent trapped in the past or worrying about the future. The happiest people are those who practice making the most of the present moment, loving themselves in a healthy way and being of service to others. It is impossible to do these things if you live in the past.

The past can be positive and inspirational or alluring and distracting. If you reflect on the past without the need to judge it and see people as teachers and events as opportunities for growth, it’s a positive thing. However, if your reflections make you feel sad, angry, bitter, wronged or depressed, consider looking back is not serving you. Rather, it’s hurting you and taking you out of the moment which is now.

Far too often, people become bitter about things that happened. The ego makes them think something happened to them instead something happening for them (to grow). As a result, they blame themselves or others. There is no power in this thinking. A more powerful way to see life is through the lens of a creative loving soul. They understand that the past can’t be changed and its only value lies in the positive lessons it teaches and the inspiration it holds to daily improve yourself.

I beseech you to let go of all stories and judgments from the past that adversely influence your opinion about other human beings and makes you bitter. Only the ego judges. The authentic soul loves and sees the goodness in others. It empathizes with another’s challenges and sends them grace to make it to the other side of obstacles before them.

If you find yourself stuck in the past, ask, “Am I being powerful in this moment or a victim? Are my thoughts about the past making me bitter or better?” You can’t change the past so choose to be the creative soul who focuses on the present moment and makes magic out of it. Embrace now with all the love and power within you!