5. Spend more time in the present moment. Mindfulness has been touted as a panacea for nearly every psychological condition under the sun. It's like the fish oil capsule of the mental health crowd. Dealing with the past is an ideal application for mindfulness.
* Mindfulness is simple, but not easy. For this purpose, simply pay attention to your environment and your current activity. If you're walking your dog, you're paying attention to what you see. Your thoughts aren't on your ex-husband, the broken hot-water heater, or the report that's due tomorrow.
* Mindfulness takes a lot of practice to do well, but the time is well-spent.
6. Avoid blaming others. Blaming is convenient. You let yourself off the hook for any responsibility in the matter. The animosity you feel toward others regarding your past keeps the past fresh in your mind. Forgive everyone involved and let go of your negative feelings. The past can then move further into the past.
7. Seek out peace. When you're upset about the past, seek peace in your body. Breathe slowly and deeply. Allow the past to flow out of your body with each breath. Keep going until the negative feeling is gone. When you can think about the past and feel peaceful, you're no longer under its spell.
Are you suffering because of the past? Why? Why are you treating yourself that way? Some things in life don't work out, but that doesn't mean they have to influence the rest of your life. Forgive those that have wronged you in the past. Forgive yourself. Look forward to the future and see the exciting things that can lie ahead.