I have to say that this week – while staying with my friend – we have done quite a lot of reminiscing – with both memories of the times we spent together years ago – those – “little episodes – that we shared together” – and also sharing our different upbringings – and the various experiences that life has thrown at us.

I find it very interesting remembering – ‘past times’ – and seeing how my life has been shaped by past experiences

But of course – I have to be honest about my past experiences too. Not all of them have left – ‘happy memories’ – and certainly – not all have been easy – but – I will say that I have no regrets – as this quote says – “I have no regrets – even if I could – I would not change anything in my past – rather – I look back with gratitude – because – if it weren’t for my past – I would not be who I am today”.

The past has shaped my future – but – it is not my future – rather – “The past is a place of reference – not a place of residence – the past is a place of learning – not a place of living”. That – for me – is a very good way to view the past – where I learn from it – but move on from it – living in the ‘now’ – while still being able to draw from those past experiences.

I learn from my past experiences – and I glean from them – I look at what happened in the past – learn something valuable from it – and quite possibly – do things different in the future.

The way this quote puts it – is a great attitude to have – when it comes to remembering my past – “In order to move forward in life – take the experiences from your past – and use them as stepping blocks – in order to reach your new goals and dreams. In other words – don’t let your past hold you back – learn from your past – and use it to help you further your future – be who you are now – and not who you used to be”.

I’m finding more and more – just how important that last statement is – that I move on – from – ‘who I used to be’ – and learn to simply – be ‘who I am now’ – not being afraid to continue to move forward – for – “Life is about trusting your feelings – taking chances – finding happiness – learning from the past – and realising that – everything changes”.

And so – much as I have enjoyed reminiscing with my friend – I am enjoying life in the present – for – “We remember the past – live in the present – and write the future”. Much of our conversation has been – sharing our present lives too – and I have been so blessed – and encouraged.

And -I am so glad – that – as we part ways once again – I am confident – that we will continue to write the future too – in our separate lives – but also with the honour – of writing the future together – from time to time.

Blessings – Lois