The Residual Past

Over the holiday weekend, I spent some time trying to help clean the home of one of my most favorite people in the world.  It was filled with many things, a lot of which were useful.  Many of the items has tags on them, if they were not brand new, they were nicely folded and stacked, but that is where the issue lies.  There were stacks and stacks and more stacks.  I could keep going but you get the point. 

Anyway, myself and a few other family members were there in an effort to eliminate some of the stacks.  So while it was a lot of work, it was great bonding time.  As I was cleaning I was listening, and oh what I heard.   

"When I was growing up I had one towel. That was it, just one." 
  
"When I was a teenager and got a job, I went and bought some linen for my bed... My
parents thought I was being fast and so I had to return it and I said when I
grow up I will have everything that I want" 

These types of statements are true for many of us, especially the when "I grow up..." 
However we have to be careful that our past and the fears generated as a result
of our past do not thrust us into another issue much greater than the one we are
  seeking to avoid.

So let's circle back to my story, the real potential impact is
this, unsafe and unhealthy living conditions.  I would much rather this
person have less stuff and live healthier than the vice versa.

So what is the empowered moment for this week?  Look at
your life today, and ask yourself what behaviors are you exhibiting as a result
of your past?  Then ask yourself, are those behaviors worse than what your
are attempting to avoid? If the answer to that question is yes, then be willing
to do something about it and to allow others to help you do something about it.

Just to close out the story (as it is a true story), I must say
that she was at least willing to do something about it, but it will take quite a
bit of time.

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