We all have a past! But what defines us is how we choose to carry that.
We can carry it as a burden that keeps us anchored to all that baggage. Or we can revere it and learn our lessons to ensure we don’t make the same mistakes again.
The past can be the best teacher if you use it wisely.
But first, before we can learn from the past, we need to let go of all the hurt, pain, wounds, trauma, associated with it. If you’re still holding the past very close to you, listen to this podcast or read the blog to reach some acceptance about the past.
Once you’re comfortable with the past, it is time to reflect and understand what your past has to teach you.
Here are some self-reflection questions you can ask to expand your awareness about past experiences and how it has moulded your identity:
- Start with a timeline (Facts): Draw out a timeline of events. For each event, ask yourself: What happened? When did it happen? Who were around me?
- Dig Deeper (Meaning): What did you think about this event? What makes it important for you? We all interpret events our way. So once you have the facts dig deeper about what meanings you associate with the event.
- Feel More (Feelings): Beyond facts and meaning, what did that event make you feel? Did the event change how you see yourself? If so, how?
- Add them up (Narrative): What did this experience change about who you are? How have you changed after that or who are you hoping to become because of the occurrence?
We are all unique in our wonderfully magical ways. One of the biggest reasons for that is our experiences and how we define narratives for ourselves from those events. That’s why siblings who grow up in the same house with the same set of parents have different worldviews. It’s not just the events but how you interpret, feel, and define a narrative for yourself.
Once you do this for each of the narratives, you can go a step further. Review them, look for themes, patterns, perspective shifts over time. Each of these can give you more insight into who you are and who you’d like to be. Ask yourself:
- What does my life story read like? Major themes, behaviour patterns, feelings
- What does my story say about my belief system and values?
- Does my life story influence or impact my future aspirations or where I see myself?
Introspecting about your past can give a lot more insights into who you are becoming. Use them as a stepping stone towards your future successes rather than getting trapped within the story.
Were these prompts useful? Comment Yes in the comments section if you’d like me to share more such articles to support your self-reflection.