Is The Past Gone?

I'd say yes and no. The past is gone, in the sense we can no longer affect what happened, but for many of us what happened in the past still affects us. In some cases people are stuck and unable to move on from what was.

I read somewhere the following quote... "to forgive oneself is to give up all hope of ever having a better past". If anyone knows who wrote it please let me know.

What a brilliant thought! So much energy goes into mourning the past, wishing things could have been different. Forgiving myself for past transgressions reflects the truth that the past is over and no longer available to change. The only time we really have is this very moment. Everything else is past or future. And I can never have a better past! It is what it is. However, I do have a choice in how I deal with its effect on me. I choose to let go, ask forgiveness when appropriate, and move on to enjoy the moments I have.

Happiness in the Workplace

An article on workplace happiness has much to say to those of us who are considering new employment, are just out of school and looking to apply our learning, or are in some way considering a change in our work environment. This got me wondering about those of us who are working and intend to stay with the employer we have. What can we do to create more satisfaction for ourselves?

One fairly simple way is to decide what we have control over and put our energy into those areas. I can't count the number of times I've been trying to push back the tide in the workplace- trying to change someone's behaviour, lobbying for my vision of how things should be, challenging workplace rules and procedures, etc., and suddenly realized these are situations over which I have little or no control.

I figure there are three possibilities in any situation...either I have absolute control (I'm the one who decides), I have some control (so I need to figure out what part(s) I have control over), or I have absolutely no control (think uncollaborative boss or the weather). I find it very helpful in the thick of interaction with others to stop for a moment and consider what is within my control. In the most confusing situations this allows me to focus on the best place to put my efforts and to recognize the black holes that await my senseless struggle.

The really great result of this strategy is that I can often sit back, consciously decide not to participate, and just watch the drama without getting all caught up in it.