Every morning, I wake with the knowledge that I need to look back if I am going to avoid repeating my past errors and omissions in my new day. My goal is to learn and grow. I do not feel guilty so much as sadness when I realise the cost of a lost opportunity. This awareness serves as a motivator to take a step towards becoming my better self. There is no magic in the process. As today begins, I let Life’s whispers share what I can see and look to Divinity for inspiration for what I cannot.
Learning is growth and movement. There are many things that learning is not. Learning is not about being perfect. The lessons of listening to life’s guidance form a journey of many steps towards a better version of myself. Learning does not mean that one is wise. There is a smile within as I replay an old observation: “I tested everything in my search for wisdom. I set out to be wise, but it was beyond me.” (Ecclesiastes 7.23). The foundation of my learning includes many failed and partially successful experiments. With all the progress I have made comes an awareness of so many more remaining to be taken.
Looking back is a great exercise, provided one does not get stuck there. I have come to accept one of life’s challenges: I am acceptable to Divinity as I am because She stated this to be a fact. There are no conditions to this acceptance except that I must accept myself as well. It sounds easy. I know that this acceptance continues to be a journey. On my best days, I know Divinity has embraced me. In the darkness of the night, I know all the reasons why this cannot be true. When I allow myself to see and appreciate Divinity at work in my life, looking back becomes a natural step in moving forward.
Today’s reflections point me towards a better version of myself, one filled with greater compassion, more kindness, and constant care. May this be real.
