Lessons from My Dog: Don’t Let the Past Hold You Back

Every day after lunch, I take my dog Storm for a walk. It’s one of my favorite routines—a chance to stretch my legs, clear my mind, and enjoy some fresh air. But Storm has a habit that drives me absolutely crazy: as we’re walking, she’ll catch a scent and suddenly want to turn around and sniff it out.

It doesn’t matter if we’ve made it halfway through our route or just started; if she gets a whiff of something interesting, she’s determined to circle back. “Storm, we’re moving forward!” I’ll say, but she rarely listens.

The funny thing is, her habit reminds me so much of what we humans do sometimes. We may not circle back to sniff random smells, but we often catch hold of memories or regrets from our past and find ourselves stuck, dwelling on them longer than we should.

Why Dwelling on the Past Holds You Back

The past has its place. It’s where we learned lessons, built relationships, and experienced life in all its highs and lows. But when we stay too focused on what’s behind us—reliving old mistakes, second-guessing decisions, or longing for what could have been—it’s easy to get stuck.

Dwelling on the past doesn’t change what happened; it only drains the energy and focus we could use to build something meaningful right now. Reflection can be valuable, but it needs to have a purpose. Otherwise, it’s like Storm sniffing endlessly at the same spot—it might be satisfying for a moment, but it’s not getting us anywhere.

How to Learn from the Past Without Getting Stuck

So, what’s the solution? How do we honor the past, learn from it, and still keep moving forward? It starts with intentional reflection and action. Here’s how:

1. Pause and Acknowledge
   When something from your past surfaces, take a moment to sit with it. Avoid pushing it away, but don’t let it consume you.

2. Find the Lesson
   Ask yourself: What can I learn from this? Maybe it’s a lesson about resilience, a realization about your values, or a reminder of what you truly want in life.

3. Let It Go with Intention
   Once you’ve identified the lesson, make a conscious choice to leave the rest behind. You can’t change the past, but you can use it as a stepping stone for your future.

4. Take One Small Step Forward
   Whether it’s reaching out to an old friend, trying a new hobby, or simply writing down a goal, small actions help shift your focus forward.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Storm might not understand why her constant circling back drives me crazy, but there’s a lesson in her behavior. Life, like our walks, is a journey meant to be lived forward. Each step we take brings us closer to what really matters, as long as we keep moving.

The next time you catch yourself dwelling on the past, pause, reflect, and take what you need—but don’t stay there. Like Storm and I on our walks, your journey is waiting for you to move forward, one step at a time.

If you’re ready to stop dwelling on the past and start building a life filled with clarity, purpose, and joy, join me in my Thrive with Purpose course. Together, we’ll uncover what’s holding you back, reconnect with your passions, and step confidently into the future.

👉 Click here to learn more and start your journey: Thrive with Purpose Workshop

Let’s keep walking forward—Storm would definitely approve. 🐾