8 tips to move forward
Love this quote from Toni Morrison. It’s simple & powerful ~ holding on to your past hurts is a conscious decision just like taking the bold step of letting go of that shit to move forward. Both are conscious decisions and you are in control of both choices.
Try the following to heal the hurt and move forward, focusing on growth and forward momentum. Don’t remain stuck in the “should haves” this dark space will keep you immobilized, reeling in painful feelings and memories.
1. Positive self talk or mantra ~ reframe your negative self talk with a positive mantra you can repeat when you start slipping down the rabbit hole. Instead of ‘I can’t...’ try ‘I am fortunate...’. A simple reframe helps. Try it.
2. Create space or distance ~ most of us have heard this many times and that is because it works. If you have the physical space you also have psychological space to process or simply not be reminded of it.
3. Work on your own shit ~ do your own work and focus on yourself, address the hurt and focus on the grateful part of the story. Be gentle and don’t criticize, but do the work.
4. Mindfulness ~ there is no better time than now to practice being present. We can control today and the now and I’m doing this we can have the freedom to live and respond to our lives how we see fit.
5. Acceptance ~ that the other person may never apologize and accept this. Close the door and open the door to your healing. You can control this.
6. Self care & positive tribes ~ set personal boundaries as part of your self care and do things that bring you comfort and joy. Let the people full of sunshine in and remind you of all the good you have around you.
7. Permission ~ to talk about the lousy hurt and permission to forgive. Forgiveness is vital for healing. Shame, guilt, anger, sadness needs to be forgive, so true healing can begin.
8. Professional help ~ if you truly cannot move forward and are struggling, work with someone who can guide you through this process. The benefits will be abundant.
Remember this is your journey and you need to be conscious in your life and decisions. To take control and move forward will require you to refocus, do the work and celebrate all victories no matter the size.
You’ve got this.