3: How Your Past Can Transform You Into a Better Person

Have you ever felt like your past was keeping you from being the person you’re meant to be?

 

If so, you’re not alone.

 

Many of us have bought into the ideas that our past is:

 

Bad,

Negative,

Filled with hurt and pain,

Meant to be forgotten, or

Hindering us from our future.

 

I am thrilled to announce that these ideas are a load of crap!

 

If you feel like your past is a weight, an anchor or a crutch…

 

…that all changes TODAY!

 

I truly believe that every experience in our past can be used as an asset.

 

Don’t think that my head is in the clouds. I’m saying that it’s possible, not that it’s easy.

 

In fact, it can be quite difficult…if you refuse to get out of your own way.

 

That’s right. I said it! You have to get out of your own way.

 

Our past will be a liability, an anchor, a roadblock or whatever you want to call it for as long as we allow it to control us.

 

The key to overcoming your past hurts and truly turning your past into an asset starts with you taking control.

 

I’m sure being in control sounds like a great thing to you, but don’t get too excited.

 

With control comes plenty of responsibilities and challenges.

 

Therefore, before you can even take the first step to becoming a “better you”, you have to make a decision to try.

 

Yes, I said try.

 

I know you may think that’s a bit elementary, but you’d be surprised how many people spend waste time harping about their past or talking about overcoming it, but never even give it a try.

 

That’s all I’m asking you to do.

 

Are you willing to TRY?

 

If so, here’s how you can get started TODAY:

 

1) Make a decision to try to overcome your past hurts and experiences. (This is the first step you must take.)

 

2) Accept that you have control over your past and make a decision to exercise that control responsibly.

 

3) Acknowledge that you will have to face challenges and make a decision to face them head on, because they cannot and will not break you.

 

Did you notice the common denominator to begin overcoming your past?

 

You must make the decisions.

 

That’s right. I can’t do it for you, your family can’t do it for you, your friends can’t do it for you and even God can’t do it for you.

 

You must be the one to make the decisions.

 

Once you’ve done that, then others can properly assist you along your journey.

 

If you’re really ready to begin the journey towards transforming yourself into a “better you”, I highly suggest you listen to this podcast on ‘How Your Past Can Transform You Into a Better Person’:

 

 DOWNLOAD THIS EPISODE

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SHOW NOTES

 

Episode Title: How Your Past Can Transform You Into a Better Person

 

Guest: Mustapha ‘Moose’ Thorpe

 

Music: Jamie Grace – Beautiful Day * Alicia Keys – Zebras and Airplanes

 

Quotable: “Step backs are setups for a come up.” – Mustapha ‘Moose’ Thorpe

 

Key Takeaways & Lessons:

  • The danger of anchoring yourself to your past
  • Having a ‘Lesson Learned’ versus a ‘Regret’ perspective of the past
  • Recognizing that the gift may be the same, but the purpose is always different
  • Why motivation begins with taking out the trash
  • The hurdles that you must jump over
  • How people think they are moving forward in a relationship, but really moving backwards

 

Experience is the Best Teacher:

  • How moving from California to Michigan changed Moose’s life for the better
  • How Jay dealt with the loss of support from family and friends
  • Why meeting his wife changed Moose’s life and led him back to church
  • How Moose’s father helped him become the man he is today

 

God’s Role in Your Transformation:

  • The benefits of allowing God to lead you through life
  • Turning negative experiences and past hurts into testimonies

 

Healing Starts with Helping:

  • How helping others can make it easier for you to move past your hurt
  • The importance of seeking the “RIGHT” people for help

 

Hold Yourself Accountable:

Acknowledge that only you control your past, then take control.

 

Apply the Principles:

“Do not dwell on the past.” Isaiah 43:18b

 

Take Action Now:

  1. Seek and talk to God
  2. Analyze your past for lessons
  3. Think and speak positive daily
  4. Identify the “RIGHT” people to talk to
  5. Help others heal

 

Call to Action:

  • What is a past experience or hurt that you’ve overcome and been able to use as an asset?
  • What is a past experience or hurt that you would like to one day overcome and use as an asset?

*Please use the contact form if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment below and sharing your answers publicly.*

5 Comments
  • Jay
    April 25, 2014

    Hey R.E.A.L. Lovers!

    What is a past experience or hurt that you’ve overcome and been able to use as an asset?

    OR

    What is a past experience or hurt that you would like to one day overcome and use as an asset?

    • Marc A.
      May 5, 2014

      My weight struggles have always haunted me since I was a little kid and I still go through them but, with the use of my blog and social media, I tell my story to the world and share my experiences and that not only allows me to enrich others but also to enrich myself.

      • Jay
        May 5, 2014

        That’s amazing Marc! I love how God can take things that we struggle with and turn them into benefits not only for us, but for others too.

        Continue on your journey and allow God to lead you each step of the way. I know that if you do you’ll begin to accomplish your personal goals and impact the lives of others in an amazing and positive way!

  • Marc A.
    May 5, 2014

    I just listened and this episode really resonated with me, man. I was having a conversation about this up to last night regarding a dream I had about my past experiences. I’m much better at it than I used to be but there have been so many times that I’ve let my past cripple me but now, as you mentioned at one point, I’ve used it not only to motivate myself but others as well. I take my feelings to God and he’s helped me the dark cloud that looms over me to dissipate and this was part of the clarity I received during Lent that I told you about.

    I love the way the podcast is going so far, man. Keep doing God’s work.

    • Jay
      May 5, 2014

      Now that is a BLESSING and a TESTIMONY Marc!

      Overcoming our past is challenging enough. Yet, when we are able to get over that hurdle and then use it as something beneficial for ourselves and others…it gets taken to A-WHOLE-NOTHER LEVEL!!!

      I am so happy to hear about all the outstanding things God is doing in your life. Continue to seek Him and watch Him lead you to places you never imagined you’d go or ever be. He’s awesome bro!

      Knowing that you are enjoying the new direction means so much to me. I’m glad to have you be a part of the R.E.A.L. Lover community!

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