Stop Looking Backwards

By Ettie Rutherford
Contributing Columnist

I think we can all agree that although our history, our culture, and our individual values help to determine our mindset, it is still important for us to use those aspects of our lives as building blocks — and not as excuses for remaining stagnant.

When driving, we periodically glance in our rear-view mirror to see the road traveled, but never to guide us. That is why the windshield is larger, because it propels us forward to our destination.

While paying deserved respect to our history, our ancestors and our cultural norms, let us not be blinded by the fact that if we merely hold on to the past, we will never reap the abundance that is possible for our life’s journey. So:
1. Decide whether it is your past or your future that will eventually define you.
2. Use benefits, as well as challenges from your history, as stepping-stones.
3. Chose to unleash some of the practices that are not in your best interest.
4. Upgrade the skills and knowledge needed for future actions.
5. Create the story which you want to leave behind.
6. Ask for God’s guidance to face “what is ahead”.

Award-winning Ettie Rutherford, B.Ed, Dip.Ed, M.Ed, is an educator, life coach, consultant and author of “Why Perch Like A Chick When You Can Soar Like An Eagle?”. An accomplished public speaker, Ettie is the Founder and CEO of Women Are Worthy, which provides step-by-step strategies for women to achieve their goals, with a minimum amount of stress. She can be reached at ettie@womenrworthy.com