Note: This blog originally published in January 2011.

I have a friend who went through a divorce. He struggled in the reality of his new freedom and detached lifestyle. Box by box my friend, I’ll call him Tom, loaded up his belongings and moved to his temporary home. He left some of his belongings at his old residence, some things he brought with him, while others he put into storage. He felt not only his belongings, but his life, was scattered everywhere.

Coping with transitions

Tom functioned as many of us do when thrust into a new life experience; he coped. He did his best to start again, live in the present, but he neglected to understand that he needed to bring everything with him to fully heal and move forward.

In his new reality, Tom needed a tool from his tool box to work on a home repair. Because of unfinished business with his transition, Tom’s needed tool was in his tool box at his previous home. He didn’t take everything he needed with him. He left something of great importance in his past, something he needed in his current life experience.

What do you carry with you? Did you forget anything you left behind?

Pause, look behind you, and then move forward

Often we move through life in a hurried energy to get from point A to point B. At times we believe the destination is all that really matters, but is it? When we experience disappointment or uncontrollable situations where our life is forever altered, at times it is easiest to just move forward. In a blur we step, walk, or run into the unknown to remove ourselves from our current pain. But in that flight we often leave behind things of great value.

Pause your mind, spirit, and body to look behind. Just look, don’t live there, but be sure you take what you need with you as you move forward. Take with you your power and your confidence. Take with your hope and your loving memories. Take with you the inspiration of your still to be discovered dreams.

Open your suitcase and fill it with what motivates and inspires you, don’t leave any of this behind. Pack safely your confidence, your inner peace, and your joy. Let the healing energy of moving forward empower your life. Allow the restoration and renewal of living in the moment lift your soul, making sure all the while you take everything you will need.

What do you need to go back and take with you today?