by Rebecca Yauger, @RebeccaYauger
I’m on Facebook frequently (I admit it). It’s fun to see what pops up in the Memories section of Facebook. Usually, it’s fun photos of my adorable granddaughter. As I write this post, the memory that showed up is a picture of my husband and me from high school. We’d met in August as we headed into our senior year. The number of years ago that this took place is staggering to me! I’m starting to feel old!
Ok, back to the point of this post: our past.
Most times, I hope, our past memories are pleasant ones. Sometimes, though, thinking of the past brings up pain or sorrow. Not just sad memories, but embarrassment, or even regrets about our previous actions.
We know that we can’t do anything to change what has happened before, but it’s amazing how we remain chained to our pasts.
In my case, I hate the wasted days, where I hadn’t used my time wisely. Those days where I could’ve been writing, could’ve completed that chapter or scene, but didn’t.
When I think of how many years I’ve been a member of ACFW and My Book Therapy, then think about how I still struggle with time management, I feel defeated. I think about what could’ve been had I been better and more focused with my time.
With these regretful thoughts swirling around in my head, it’s easy to get into the spiral of defeat, frustration and believing that I can’t do this writing gig.
But guess what? It doesn’t have to be this way. Every day is a new beginning. Today is a new day and a new chance to start fresh. God’s mercies are new every morning.
I won’t accomplish my goals if I’m too wrapped up in what I didn’t do the day before. Yesterday is gone.
I can only move forward from here. And do the best I can and put in the hard work. If I do that, then maybe when I look back at my past, it will be easier to see what I’ve accomplished rather than where I’ve failed. That will spur me on to keep striving toward my writing dreams.
I’m starting again today. How about you?
Rebecca Yauger worked for 15 years in radio and television broadcasting, before starting on her writing career. She’s been published in Chicken Soup for the Soul and Guideposts Magazine and continues to scribble away on various projects. She also blogs at www.TalkingAmongFriends.com. Becky is past Vice-President and Membership Director for American Christian Fiction Writers and currently serves as ACFW’s Web Manager. Becky and her husband live near Dallas and have two grown children, one beautiful grandchild with another one on the way.