It really sucks that yesterday's mistakes affect what happens today. As much as we would all love to say, "The past is behind me. All of the things I didn't do, couldn't do, and accidentally did do not affect what is in the present and what is upcoming in the future," it does. And because of this it is easy to be held back and hurt by the things that haunt us most.

Funny how it is always the past failures, rather than the successes, that stay with us--isn't it?

Do this--make a list of the proudest achievements in your life up to date. Then, read it over, see how they have strengthened you, and how they have made you into the sort of person who can achieve your future goals. Then agree to follow this rule: From now on, I will not allow what haven't done and couldn't do in the past, to change and affect my outlook on the future. I will not allow these failures and mis-doings bring me down. I will keep a positive outlook on what I can and have accomplished.

No, you won't always be able to follow that rule. Yes, sometimes you will get down. But try your absolute hardest to remember how far you have come--what you have accomplished with how much (or little) you have. Let that feeling of empowerment fill you and sustain you through the whale's belly, into the light.

It's dark right now, but you have to move forward to find the light switch.