DIG INTO THE PAST

History enables us to analyze and understand problems of the past. It provides a perspective for explaining and solving current issues and preparing for the future. Whether it is the invention of the wheel or the discovery of fire, credit goes to the past. Our past has always formed a base for our future. We have rectified our mistakes of the past, learnt from them and moved forward. Life doesn't allow us to go back and correct the wrong of the past, but it does allow us to live each day better than our last. 

                 We often hear people say, "Don't dig into the past, when the past calls don't answer, it has nothing new to say." This is true only to a certain extent because a few incidents of the past are definitely fit to be forgotten. At the same, there are occurrences of the past which have taught us strong lessons, wherein we have regretted why we behaved in a particular manner or we should have taken a better decision. In such cases, it is good to dig into the past. For example, we might have hurt someone through our words or deeds sometime in the past and as a result, a rift may have been created in the relationship. Sometimes when such incidents come to our mind there is nothing wrong with digging into the past, working upon our actions and correcting ourselves. We can then never commit the same mistake again. Our past will make us better, not bitter. No matter how long we travel in the wrong direction we can always turn around, right?

                    A friend of mine always gives apt advice. I often wondered whether she had studied Psychology or done some course in counselling because her suggestions were quite useful. I asked her the secret and she confessed that she was just a homemaker, and gained maturity in life by referring to past instances and learning from the mistakes she committed in the past. She often said, "It is important to share our experiences with others. Our stories will heal them and their stories will heal us. When we tell our tales, we free ourselves and give others permission to acknowledge theirs." She strongly believes that our wounds are probably not our faults but healing is our responsibility. 

                   In their growing years, children make a lot of mistakes. They are corrected by their parents, teachers, elders and other well-wishers. This is particularly noticed before their exams or before any stage performance. Gradually they get moulded and tend to decrease the number of errors they commit. This holds good for elders too. Most teachers believe that education is for a lifetime and that we can learn till our last breath. As a result, they keep on enriching their knowledge so that they can provide their best to their pupils. Therefore, with each passing day, their teaching gets better. Doesn't a doctor improve his method of treatment with each patient he handles and every surgery that he performs? Doctors often discuss past case histories and learn from each other. A newly wedded woman develops her culinary skills slowly and steadily. Initially, her preparations may not be palatable or even insufficient at times. A clever lady will ponder about the manner in which she prepared earlier and improve by the day. That moment will definitely appear in her life when she will not only be able to estimate the exact quantity to be prepared but will find her family members licking their fingers after they are done with their meal. This principle of learning from our past applies to architects, businessmen, sportspersons, politicians, filmmakers, and administrators of organizations, the list is endless. All wise people think in these terms -- "The greatest lesson I have learnt in life is that I still have a lot to learn."

                     To conclude, there is absolutely no problem in digging into the past --- in recollecting, re-correcting and as a result, re-learning. There may be a few bad and bitter experiences of our past, incidents which need to be forgotten. Memories through which we can derive nothing. In fact, we may be haunted by some that only demotivate and drain out our energy. Such occurrences are better deleted. It isn't difficult, it just needs strong willpower and a stronger mindset. A successful man will profit from his mistakes and try again in a different way. To err is human, therefore let us learn from our mistakes, correct ourselves and evolve into better human beings. Mistakes are painful when they happen, but years later a collection of mistakes is what we call experience. We are not defined by our past. We are prepared for it. Gratitude for the past and greeting the present will ensure a greater future.