One of my clients shared an analogy with me recently that was most insightful: “We all carry around an invisible backpack. Inside it are all the things we experienced and haven’t let go. Some of those are nice memories. Others simply burden us down.”
Those many images are clear to me.
Growing up in Fort Worth with terrific friends. Winning the boys basketball state championship as seniors. All the people I met in sports television. These bring smiles.
Not buying Berkshire Hathaway Class A shares at $1,000. Calling a friend’s mom the name of their dog – at least 10 times – one afternoon. Failing to forgive someone for too many years. These bring regret.
Perhaps a better approach might be to let the past go and focus on this moment… on what needs to be taken care of today. At least then all those things taking up space in my backpack – and cluttering my mind – would dissipate… and I might be able to recall more important things, like the reason I walked into a room or what I am supposed to pick up at the grocery store.
