Learning From The Past To Improve The Future

Sometimes we wonder, as we compare ourselves to our parents or ancestors, if nature and nurture are working against us. In the same way that wealth, privilege, good grooming and positive attitudes are passed down from father to son, are our bad habits and challenges passed along in similar fashion?

Of course, in certain respects, this is true. If heart disease runs in your family, there is a good chance that you could be at risk for this problem. But what about habits, decision-making skills, the likelihood that we will make mistakes? Are these learned patterns that are subconsciously put into our lives because of our upbringing? Or is it time and the universe giving our bloodline another chance to fix the mistakes of our past? When we look at our lives and we see some of the same mistakes as our parents made, who do we blame?

Some very serious issues, such as abuse or alcoholism could be looked at through this lens. If one’s parents or their parent’s parents were alcoholic, it is a tremendous achievement for one to put a stop to this trend. If your parents were alcoholic and you don’t drink, it is a bigger deal than someone whose parents were not alcoholic and they do not drink.

It all has to do with progress. Of course, we want to make progress within our own life, but a lot of the problems that we have to deal with are hereditary and the problems of previous generations as well. That makes it all the more amazing when we can conquer things like our bad memories, or depression, or fear of commitment. Each step we take away from the problems that plagued our ancestors is a step in the right direction.

We can also take note from the people who came before us. What did they do within their lifetime that was good or bad for them? How did they cope? Did their lifestyle turn out well for them? Of course, everyone dies, but could our lives be extended by cutting out the bad habits that plagued our relatives.

Surely. The big lesson is that progress is always happening, both within our lifetime and across generations, so we must make sure to learn, grow and keep moving forward so that the next generation can do even more.

That is a tricky concept to master. Some people learn from their parents and the system seems to work pretty well. “I’m a farmer and my father was a farmer and his father was a farmer.” There’s nothing wrong with that. But are we using the same equipment as our father? The same methods? More likely than not, there have been some adjustments made. It is important to learn what those who came before us did right, and improve where we can.

Getting Through What You Can't Get Over: Stories, Tips, and Inspiration to Help You Move Past Your Pain into Lasting Freedom

By Anita Agers-Brooks

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