Forgotten

In my previous blogs, I wrote about how we often carry burdens from the past with us. These experiences shape us, influence our future, and over time, the negative experiences heal. Back then, it was about letting go of the past and boldly opening new doors to a better future. Today, I want to talk about a different aspect of this topic: how we tend to forget and lose sight of the positive things from our past.

Why does this happen so often? It’s in our nature to be curious and constantly strive for new goals. We want to grow, become better, and achieve more. But in this pursuit, we often lose sight of what we already have. We’re so focused on looking ahead that we barely notice what we’ve already accomplished. Let’s imagine how it felt when we first moved into our own apartment. Back then, that sense of freedom and independence felt like a huge step, filled with pride and joy. But today, we take it for granted. What once felt so special gradually becomes routine over time.

This phenomenon can be applied to many areas of life. The job you once wanted so badly, which brought you so much joy at first, eventually loses its shine. The relationship that started with passion becomes overshadowed by the challenges of everyday life. These developments are completely natural, but they highlight how quickly we lose sight of the happiness we once felt. We forget how much these things once meant to us and begin to take them for granted.

Another reason why we often forget the positives from the past is that our focus is frequently on what’s still missing, rather than on what we already have. We live in a world that constantly shows us what else we could achieve or own. As a result, the things we’ve already accomplished fade into the background. This endless pursuit of the “next” makes us forget that we’ve often already been happy and grateful.

Of course, we’re always evolving, and our expectations of life change with us. But there are things in life that, regardless of where we are now, should still hold meaning. They deserve our attention and gratitude. It’s the small, often overlooked things like friendships, partnerships, our health, or our job that should remind us time and time again that we have reasons to be joyful and grateful. The friendship that has seen us through tough times, the job that provides us with security, or the partnership that strengthens us – all of these are gifts that we should not lose sight of.

One way to regain awareness of these things is to regularly remind ourselves of the small moments that once made us happy. Perhaps it’s a friend’s smile, the feeling of freedom after a long day of work, or the joy of a successful step in our personal development. These moments don’t lose their significance just because they’re in the past. They can still give us strength and satisfaction today if we consciously bring them back to mind.

Finally, Matze’s practical tips: We should make a habit of consciously reflecting on what we’ve already achieved in life and what we can be grateful for. The happiness from back then hasn’t disappeared; it’s just faded into the background. Look at the things that once made you happy and ask yourself why they may no longer do so today. This reflection can help us reconnect with those positive experiences and appreciate them anew. …stay tuned…