Moving On

Hey, you, that door is closed; move on.

One of the most challenging things I've ever had to do was move on from things that mattered so much to me. I'd be lying if I told you I've only had to move on once; no, there have been many instances.

So often, we associate moving on with significant life changes, such as leaving relationships, jobs, careers, homes across geographical locations, and other events with big impacts, making the idea of moving so palpable.

Moving on may become more manageable if we view it differently. I wanted to share how a change in perspective has helped me let go of the past.

1. Moving on happens every day.

Each new day presents a chance for new opportunities. Every night, we go to bed and wake up the next day; we've 'moved on' to a new day, and the night becomes the past. This means that every waking day is an opportunity to move on. Think about that! Nature has given us the template to 'moving on.' Adopting the night-and-day analogy helps us recognize that the first step to moving on is acknowledging that the event we are moving from is in the past and should remain there.

Keypoint: Yesterday is in the past; today, we move on. Leave past events in the past.

2. Moving on presents new opportunities.

New day, new opportunity. Today, a new day is called the present. And yes, the present is God's gift, an opportunity to make things right, another chance at life. Like a new day, moving on presents opportunities for a fresh start.  I once heard an analogy about needing to (literally) drop the things in your grasp to receive or pick up new things. The same analogy applies to new opportunities and connections. You sometimes need to let go of one to get another.

Keypoint: Move on to new opportunities.

3. Moving on allows for growth and development.

'Moving on' presents opportunities to apply lessons learned from past mistakes. For instance, you get a performance evaluation, and areas of improvement are identified; the only way to truly improve and develop is to accept the assessment, work on the identified opportunities (change), and embrace 'winning' habits. Personal growth and development stem from the willingness to change.

Keypoint: Change allows for personal growth and development.

4. Moving on facilitates the healing of hurtful events and memories.

I consider the act of moving on a starting point in a healing process. Whether we are hurt by a betrayal, loss, or trauma, we cannot achieve healing without acknowledging the hurt and making a conscious effort to move past the event. Only then do we begin the journey to healing and freedom.

Keypoint: Healing comes when we 'let go'.

To the person reading this and struggling with 'letting go,' the future may appear vague, but the path becomes clearer as you step out in faith. Don't impede your movement with the baggage of the past. Each step taken away from the past leads to a new adventure- your journey to freedom.

Bon Voyage!