Future lessons of the past

                                                             Future Lessons of the Past


                   Alice Morse Earle had said, “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it's called the present.” As much as I love this quote, I often wonder as to why we'd like to forget the past? And it is human nature, to anticipate the future and plan things in advance. Quotes sound lovely on paper, but how do we actually implement them in practicality?
                  It is said that, History is the best teacher. The demons and ghosts of our past, prevent us from committing possible mistakes in the future. Then why would you let the past go? It may hurt you, but it can definitely teach you a lot of things, only if you wish to learn. Is every event of your past saddening? Surely, there must have been times when your happiness would have crossed all bounds and you would have felt life at its best. If people would've let go of those splendid times, the feeling of 'nostalgia' wouldn't have existed. Yes, bad things do happen, but it is those experiences that sculpt our character over time. We don't really forget things, they just get buried deeper overtime, and don't surface till you dig deep enough. As much as we'd like to forget things, none of us want to be forgotten. All of us want to be remembered. We want to be etched in someone's mind forever, in some way or the other. We wouldn't want to be a forgotten chapter in someone else's book. We all want to make memories. We all want to reminisce and be reminisced. 
                    Maybe, this is the reason why we are so possessed with the future. We can't help worrying about it and get way ahead of our time. Our mind is a million miles ahead of itself, plotting and planning sequences and events. However, if we wouldn't think about the future, how would we set our goals? If we don't visualize a future for ourselves, what will we work for in the present? With no future to think of, we'd be just aimless with zero idea about the direction towards which we're heading. Therefore, it is important to dream. 
                   So, if I've got it right, I think the quote means that there is no harm in thinking about the past or the future, but it doesn't mean that you start living in a different time altogether. Take lessons from your past, but don't cling on to it forever. Cherish all the wonderful memories you've had, but don't forget to make newer ones. Plan ahead of your days. Use the gifts of your past, in the present, for a better tomorrow. The future beckons, are you ready yet?