Q: My past was very sad, even shameful. Many events in my family have left deep psychological scars in me. Since then, I have avoided my childhood friends because they either remind me of my past or I feel they know too much of it. So, I try not to have anything to do with them. I even changed a few letters in my name! While I want to live a new life altogether, I know that deep inside me, I am avoiding the truth.
I’m now in my 50s now and I really want to rekindle my relationship with old classmates, old town friends, etc. Although I have the means to indulge in many of the things, I still have the fear of what they might be thinking of me and my family.
What do I need to do so that I do not need to be on the run anymore?
A: Unknowingly, you are taking the past along with you, thereby affecting relationships with people who are your true friends. There is only one thing you can do to resolve this. Stand up and be bold to purge these bad memories once and for all.
Shift your mind on the positives of your friends. Be proud of yourself and what you have achieved. Find a good friend to talk to so that these old memories and feelings are finally out in the open. You will feel much better when you do so.
POWERFUL QUESTIONS
- What are your current thoughts that are making you feel depressed?
- How are they helping you?
- How can the past be your ally instead of your adversary?
- What will you do now to live in the present?