Do you see that your past belongs in your story?

Seeing a therapist was one of the best decisions I've made to develop self-awareness and grow. My time with her revealed some deep trauma and helped me have the right perspective with it.

Seeing a therapist was one of the best decisions I've made to develop self-awareness and grow. My time with her revealed some deep trauma and helped me have the right perspective with it.

She said something that will forever change the way I think about the wounds and failures of the past. What she told me may change something inside of you. Here's what she said.

"It belongs."

So much of my relationship with my past has been a battle to diminish it or purge the hurt from my mind. These words showed me a different way to see my wounds.

You see, she helped me see how who I am today has been deeply shaped by those hurts and failures.

My wounds have made me a better husband.

My hurts have made me a better father.

My failures have made me a better friend.

My pains have made me a better follower.

My sadness has made me a better leader.

My past belongs in my story.

All the unwanted experiences in my life belong in my life. They have shaped me. They created bad habits that I get to change. They developed patterns that protect me. They gave me "never again" mindsets that now make me better to others. They all belong to who I am today and will continue to shape me.

What "it belongs" taught me changed how I lead others. It's changed how I view failure and now help others see failure in a different way. If you lead others with a mindset that failure belongs in their story, it will change the way you lead. You will be more patient. You will encourage more. You will serve better. Your care for others will deepen.

Do you see that your past belongs in your story?