How to Deal with the Past

Reflections

This short poem offers a quiet, almost meditative approach to coping with memories. It uses simple metaphors and soothing images to offer guidance on how to live with the past.

Good memories should be cherished. They’re allowed to stay and can be kept close by, as suggested by the image of the nightstand by the bed.

At the same time, even good memories serve us best when held within boundaries—as shown in the image of the bowl of still water. We need to live in the present. The still water also suggests calm, reflection, and the ability to sit with a memory without getting too caught up in it.

Bitter memories require a different approach. The poem suggests casting them into a stream, letting the moving water carry them away. This is an ongoing process. Letting go of the past—especially its bitterness—doesn’t happen immediately. It takes time.

Don’t be afraid to begin. Start letting go. Slowly, the painful memories drift away in the rushing waters of time—and you begin to feel peace again.

Affirmation

I can keep good memories beside me; I will let go of bad memories and let them drift away, even if it takes time.