Living thanks to the past.....

 There is the saying "It's hard to drive forward looking in the rear view mirror."  I certainly understand what's being said there -  and trust me, people have told me "Victor, you live in the past too much"... So, perhaps I'm wrong, but I find great value in the rear view mirror when used properly.

The person you are today... the hurdles you've overcome.  The people you've loved, raised.  The work you've done.  The positive outlook you've ingrained upon yourself. Growth in the processes of tossing out things that used to really bug you - seeing the triviality of those on the road behind you as stepping stones to the better you.

Since February or March of 2020. From observing who periodically comes by to read this blog - it's well noted most of you are old farts like me. There is not a one among us that hasn't been affected by loss in the last couple of years.  Certainly other bastard afflictions in addition to Covid.  I believe there's absolutely nothing wrong with looking in the rear view mirror, remembering what it was like with those friends, loved ones on this planet - and how their void really hurts.  "Never ever (here on Earth) again" is so very hard to swallow. Loss sneaks up on you - I see nothing wrong utilizing the rear view mirror to remind us, in the windshield of where we're headed is precious time, precious people. Minutes, thoughts actions we can't waste.

We've forgotten so much of yesterday, the rear view mirror reminds us "put this good stuff in the 'Cloud portion' of you brain." We can live with a recognition of how glorious each and every moment it.

Today, tomorrow, sitting on the sofa, surrounded by loved ones.  Little ones at play.  Older ones relating a story or memory.  Quietly, with smile and 'notation' we can take it all in, AND with greater appreciation. Loss truly, truly sucks - but it can serve as great impetus into the windshield of our future.

Springsteen's Glory Days reminds us of the wrong way to use the rear view mirror... few though I've run across that 'never graduated from high school.'

If you feel desperate, stuck living (sadly) in the rear view mirror - help is out there. 800#'s, physicians, counselors, loved ones. It is absolutely OK to get help when looking ahead out the windshield is so difficult. God Bless you if you're there.. and I should have mentioned your pastor as another means to help. You would be surprised how much you mean to so many, truly.

I truly didn't mean for this blog to be morose.   Like much - a McDouble, a sip of good brandy, gaming, exercise - within reason - OK.

Assessing the positives - the rear view mirror help us in remembering loved ones.  It helps us in seeing, reminding the incredible steps you've taken in life to be who you are.  It reminds us how precious every morsel of life is - and that can go a very long way in helping us with our disposition daily. Yes, happy lives in the rear view mirror - and that should play a role for us with clarity today, tomorrow.

So, not "living in the past"... moreso, "living with much thanks to the past."

Have a great day today.... and tomorrow, Victor