Now is the hour of our sinus discontent.

No, really, it is.

We’ve had high winds, a terrible round of wildfires nearby, and the air quality has been…well, less than good. Maddie and I are starting to look as though we’ve been punched in the eyes, Moses is sniffling away, Lara is hanging in. I think I might as well keep my head submerged if I have to flush my poor noggin one more time.

Despite that, it’s been a hugely productive start to the week. This always feels good to me.

I look back at where I was 5 years ago, 3 years ago, even this time last year, and I am happy with where I am and the direction in which life is moving. I know that the past, for many people, can be one of the worst yardsticks when it comes to taking stock of life. Oftentimes, we get bogged down in the “I can’t believe I did that!” moments, or the very misleading rose-coloured glasses with which we view the people who are no longer around us. For others, the past brings uncomfortable feelings of guilt or regret.

Don’t bemoan the life you lived on your way to where you are today. Value the lessons and let go of the useless emotions.

By the same token, measure your growth – do not DWELL in your yesterdays.

Some other thoughts on the subject:

“When we are tired, we are attacked by ideas we conquered long ago.” ~ Friedrich Nietzsche

“We are products of our past, but we do not have to be prisoners of it.” ~ Rick Warren

“It doesn’t take a lot of strength to hang on. It takes a lot of strength to let go.” ~ J.C. Watts

Here’s the thing about the past: it’s over.

We have traveled down a road, and the scenery has changed all around us. We can appreciate the journey, but we will lose our footing if we constantly gaze back, over our shoulders.

Tuesday blessings to you all…