"Keep your eye on the next pitch of life, so you can hit or move out of the way."*
This means that if we are going to intelligently plan for and choose what we want next in our lives, we've got to examine our past mistakes, learn what we can from them, and then shake them off and Let It Go.
I came across the quote a couple of months ago and even though I'm not a baseball fan, it's been on my mind ever since -- during the kids' end of school dramas, my clients' job search sessions, and of course, while I was cleaning out the fridge this week.
(Actually, I bribed my seventeen-year old to clean the fridge. I know, pretty bad.)
He said, "Yes, I'll do it, but you'll pay handsomely. And you have to be there for the cleaning. You have to help me decide what gets tossed."
"What do you mean, what gets tossed? Just take everything out, wash the shelves and put it all back."
"Mom, we've gotta get rid of some stuff. It's gross." (He gets his diplomacy from his father.)
Mason plans to study Food Science in college, cooks dinner often (made the delectable meal pictured above), and recently learned quite a lot about food safety, therefore he thinks he knows every single thing about my kitchen, bless his well-meaning little heart.
Him, trying out authority: "First off, why do we have two and a half open jars of mayonnaise? My teacher said..."
Me, incontrovertibly: "Well see, there were these three potato salads on separate occasions, and I..."
Him, biting back a smirk: "These used to be green onions?" Holds up a sludgy blackish wad.
Me, in forthright candor: "Okay yes, I used the newer ones in the potato salads."
Him, eyes rolled heavenward: "This fudge is from Christmas."
Me, chirping: "Grandpa does make the best. Once in a church auction he sold a batch for $100 to..."
Him, brandishing some murky jar: "And can you admit an unhealthy sentimental attachment to sauerkraut?"
Me, walking away: "That's pickled and none of your business! Go to your room!"
(sigh)
We have to get rid of the moldy, useless old stuff -- even if it was once good, even if it cost us a lot way back when, even if we went to a lot of trouble to make it -- if we're going to make room for what we need now and going forward.
We have to let it go.
Are you struggling to rid your heart of outdated, now-useless garbage? Are you ready to clean up your mind so that you can face tomorrow and the rest of the summer open to the real opportunities and possibilities to come? If so, I hope you'll join us at my next LifeInspired group coaching session (see sidebar).
I'll bring the snacks. ;)
*From Growing the Positive Mind by Dr. William K. Larkin.