I know I’ve mentioned her before, but Danielle LaPorte is one of my favorite contemporary  thinkers and innovators, and I want to share with you her most recent “Burning Question” which is this:

What would you be more of if you let go of the past?

And what a question it is. So much of what I do today is in reference to, or in apology for, or in reaction to, what happened to me yesterday. Or the day before. Or five years ago. And it just doesn’t make sense. Now, don’t get me wrong: healing makes sense. Acknowledging and addressing the past in a proactive way makes sense. But mulling, ruminating and blaming doesn’t make sense. In fact, it just gets in the way of living this moment authentically and fully.

For me, letting go of the past completely and unconditionally is a tricky concept. Sure, I say. That’s all fine and good. But I still have the same issues. I’ll still struggle. I can’t just let go of everything right now. It’s harder than that.

But is it? Maybe that’s just the narrative I have unconsciously adopted to keep myself from taking full responsibility for my own experiences, for my own happiness. Because, in the end, I alone am responsible for my own happiness.

My answer to LaPorte’s question is this:

If I could let go of the past, I would be more curious, open and loving toward myself and all others. I would choose joy every day, and I would forgive readily and joyfully, clearing out the cobwebbed corners of my mind to let the sunshine pour in.

So today, I am letting go of the past: easily, readily, effortlessly.