Week 10: The Importance of Remembering Your Experiences: Becoming Your Own Guide

Gratitude of the Week: I am grateful for putting the work into healing which cleared up space for memories and experiences to return to my forefront.

As I was pondering upon the direction of my next move and relaxed into silence it allowed my inner self to surface. My awareness of the present moment allowed memories to return. I had almost a wheel of flashbacks that helped guide me to make certain decisions in terms of moving away from my hometown. I reflected on each time that I left and what drove me to make the decision initially. Here I am 18 years later, back in my hometown and feeling the exact same as when I was 18 years old. I always knew that I needed to venture out on my own to become my own person and I feel the same today.

Earlier this year I decided to move south in October and start a new life in a new state. Now that the time is approaching, fearful thoughts are beginning to rise. The most important thing is that I have already prepared myself to address this fear because I knew that it would surface as time got closer to making this major change. I know for certain in my heart that without a doubt I am relocating despite my fear. Whether the fear is high or low, it will not impact my decision to move.

Ergo, I have begun to call out my fears and challenge them. For example, I have a fear of being away from my family but digging deeper I realized that the actual problem is my fear of being alone. To go to a state I have never been, going alone, knowing no one in the area is terribly frightening. I have moved in the past, but I was never alone, I was with someone. Now, I am legit alone and that scares me.

I thought about past experiences of moving and how I made friends and built community. It was challenging at first, but I did it. Remembering previous times is assurance that I am capable of making this next step. I have already exemplified courage, bravery, and curiosity and this is simply another journey to do exactly that. Relocating will give me the opportunity to expand myself, challenge personal beliefs, and find social circles through activities and things that I enjoy. Although there are aspects that seems terrifying, there are many others to look forward to.

I recall experiences such as college, enthused to be in a new environment and getting involved in activities and events to meet new people. I recall joining the Army, meeting and bonding with individuals from all over the country. I remember when I was simply open to trying new things and learning so much about myself, others, and the way the world operates. Tapping back into these memories has given me direction on things that I must do when I relocate. Just because I am older does not mean that the way to meet people and rebuild changes.

I believe that through my past experiences I have created value and values that guides me to making decisions today. At times I think to myself, “I don’t know what to do and I need someone to help me make this decision.” But the truth is, no one can truly help because my experiences is the true guide to continue to help me on my path. Looking back at things that I have learned about things that I did well, what I did not do well, and that I would have done differently, helps me to analyze my actions moving forward. Wisdom from others come from their lived experiences and everyone experience life differently. As a people we are here to serve and to learn from others. The missing piece is serving and learning from ourselves. We must acknowledge the power of our personal lived experiences which provides proven statistics of personal creditability. Where is the self-trust and unwavering self-belief. We listen to others more than we listen to ourselves.  

I will take more pride in the knowledge and wisdom that I have accumulated through my personal experiences. What if I just listened to myself and not sought guidance from others because I am uncertain of myself? There is only one way to find out.

If you believe that you maximize your experiences to guide you in life today or that you resonated with this post, feel free to email me at hello@TheBriannaAmanda.com