Chasing Yesterday
Have you ever tried to recreate yesterday? Long for what you had or almost had? Obsessing over yesterday can mess up your life. I know this from experience.
The question I’m asking is, “How should you think about yesterday so you can be fully alive today?” The answer lies in the application to these words:
No more chasing yesterday
I’ve been chasing yesterday
This past week I had an epiphany. I saw clearly that certain parts from my past I wanted back. But then realized they aren’t coming back. Yesterday is gone and I need to stop chasing it!
So I’ve been on a journey to stay away from the unfruitful chase. Here are a few of the myths I’m debunking and facts I’m building my chase around. If you’re chasing your yesterday, I hope these can help you as well.
4 Myths Messing You Up AND 4 Facts Getting You Back on Track
Myth 1: Yesterday was better than today
The word better compares one thing to another. Maybe yesterday was better from one perspective but if you stay stuck in that perspective, you’re chasing yesterday.
Fact 1: Yesterday was different from today
Different is just different. Maybe parts of your life were better but what about the changes you’ve made for the better? We can’t totally forget our past (it’s part of us) but if we only see yesterday as better, we’ll keep chasing it and have it mess up today.
Living the past is a dull and lonely business;
looking back strains the neck muscles,
causing you to bump into people not going your way. Edna Ferber
Myth 2: Yesterday I was making a bigger difference
Since making a difference matters to me, I find myself comparing the difference I was making yesterday to the difference I’m not making today. And when I believe this myth, I feel dejected and unfulfilled.
Fact 2: Yesterday I made a difference and I’m ALSO making a difference today
Comparing the quality and quantity of the difference we made yesterday to the one we’re making today is very subjective and often misleading. We have no idea the difference we’re making in people’s lives.
The key is to live on purpose; shine your light; grow through your adversity; continue taking risks; love people – and by doing that, you will make a difference. Move through the open door!
When one door closes another door opens;
but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door,
that we do not see the ones which open for us. Alexander Graham Bell
Myth 3: What lays ahead sucks compared to what I left behind
A nagging voice in your head says: “Life sucks! If only you could go back to the life you lost!” If you’re early on in your loss and grief, it’s too early to leave it behind – the denial, anger, sadness and depression. But if you’ve experience good grief, you’ll get to acceptance and be ready to move on. This myth will keep you from hitching your wagon to the post of acceptance.
The past is a guidepost, not a hitching post. L. Thomas Holdcroft
Fact 3: When my grieving is complete, it’s time to move on
I’m still enrolled in TU (Trial University). I’m on a semester break right now but will be back in class in a month or so for more learning (major surgery with painful rehab and focused recovery time). TU will be hard – on many levels.
But, what I need to avoid is repeating the classes I’ve already graduated from and move on. If I don’t let go of those pieces of the journey I’m done with, I’m destined to keep chasing yesterday!
Myth 4: Losing yesterday stole my confidence and I won’t get it back
When faced with change, we’re forced to learn new skills and for a time, see a drop in competence and confidence. This happens when we lose a job, are rejected in a relationship, or experience a serious injury. When our confidence takes a hit, a voice inside our head says, “You won’t get it back!”
Fact 4: My confidence will grow as I learn new skills and develop my abilities
My work life has been majorly interrupted. I’ve had to stop much of what I was doing and find other types of work that match my limitations. Even though I’ve lost some sharpness in certain skills, I know from past experience, how to get up to speed. When my body’s ready, when God is ready, when the time is right, I’ll figure it out.
So stop chasing yesterday and embrace today with everything you have in your hand!
Which myth are you believing?
What will help you to stop chasing yesterday?
About Cam Taylor
Coach, author, speaker, father, friend, leader, life long learner.
As I was reading this, a song came to mind – “One day at a time, Sweet Jesus,that’s all I’m asking of you. Just give me the strength to do every day of what I have to do. Yesterday’s gone and tomorrow will never be mine, Lord help me today, show me the way – One day at a time.”
No need to be chasing yesterday. I appreciate what we’ve learned from it, to cope with ‘today’.
Another great blog, Cam.
Thanks Shirlene – I like the line about having strength for each day. That is very true.
Cam, this blog really applies to many people like me who are now retired and looking back on our lives. It’s impossible NOT to be somewhat reflective on our lives; our what-could-have-beens and our what-SHOULD-have beens. Your sermonette is right on the money though. We can spend way too much time ‘chasing yesterday’ and miss out on today. I haven’t met one person who doesn’t have some regrets. But. like the song says; Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.
Thanks again for sharing your unique insights and wisdom.
What you say is so true – that it natural to have some regrets but it’s like this – if you water them they will grow & be a heavy weight – starve them & they will shrink leaving more space for embracing today!
Cam, altho’ my situation is “different” from yours as to causes, every time you post, your thoughts are exactly what I need. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, and keep on keeping on!
So glad Kathy you are resonating with my posts. You keep on keeping on as well – as I know you are doing!