Quote of the Day - 4/12

We live in a society that loves to make excuses, and one of our favorite phrases is: "It's not my fault." You might say, "I am a negative person because I was raised in an unhealthy environment." or "My husband walked out on me. I have been rejected. That's why I am always so depressed." or "I lost my wife and I just don't understand it. That's why I am so angry."

No, the truth is, if we are bitter and resentful, it's because we are allowing ourselves to remain that way. We have all had negative things happen to us. If you look hard enough, you can easily find reasons to have a chip on your shoulder. Anyone can make excuses and blame the past for his or her bad attitudes, poor choices or hot temper.

You may have valid reason for feeling the way you do. You may have gone through things that nobody deserves to experience in life. Perhaps you were physically, verbally, sexually, or emotionally abused. Maybe you have struggled to deal with a chronic illness or some other irreparable physical problem. Perhaps someone took advantage of you in business and you lost your shirt. as well as your self-esteem. If you want to live in victory you cannot use past emotional wounds as an excuse for making poor choices today. You dare not use your past as an excuse for your current bad attitude, or as a rationalization for your unwillingness to forgive somebody.

The fourth step toward living your best life now is TO LET GO OF THE PAST. It's time to allow emotional wounds to heal, to let go of your excuses and stop feeling sorry for yourself. It's time to get rid or your victim mentality.

Excerpts from Your Best Life Now