Letting go of the past: life map worksheet. - matters consulting

May 26, 2023

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Where does your mind wander the most: past, present or future?

In my journey, I’ve met amazing and super smart people who often get stuck dwelling on the past, unable to move forward. They spend a lot of time thinking about past relationships or past successes and forget to live in the present and be excited about the future. Today, I want to share some insights on why we get attached to the past and offer a powerful exercise called the “Life Map” worksheet to help you gain faith, confidence, and excitement for your future.

The Fears That Hold Us Back:

Fear of not replicating past success: Sometimes, the fear of not achieving the same level of success again can stop us from embracing new opportunities and keep us stuck in the past.
Fear of failure: The fear of failure can make us hesitant to take risks and step outside our comfort zones.
Fear of the unknown: The fear of venturing into the unknown can prevent us from embracing change and personal growth.

Understanding the Brain's Response: Our brain's neural pathways and hormones play a significant role in keeping us stuck. Our brains are wired to form connections between different experiences, memories, and emotions. These connections, known as neural pathways, are strengthened over time through repetition and emotional intensity. When we repeatedly think about past events, the associated neural pathways become stronger. This can make it challenging to let go and move forward. Additionally, the brain releases dopamine, (pleasure and reward) when we recall positive memories. This reinforces the desire to revisit those memories, as it creates a sense of pleasure and emotional satisfaction. Moreover, the brain's fear contributes makes us dwell too. The amygdala, a brain structure involved in processing emotions and fear responses, can become activated when we think about negative past experiences. The brain releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline in response to stress and fear. Cortisol acts like a persistent voice in our head, replaying thoughts and emotions related to the past. Adrenaline, on the other hand, pumps up our emotions, making them more intense, like a roller coaster ride. However, with intentional effort, we can rewire our brain's neural pathways from negative to positive

The Power of Visualisation and the “Life Map” Worksheet:

Four hormones and neurotransmitters that can help us break free from the past and move forward:

Dopamine, the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, can boost motivation and bring us pleasure when we achieve goals or engage in enjoyable activities.
Serotonin: a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of well-being and happiness. It can promote a positive mood, self-confidence, and a sense of fulfillment.
Endorphins, released during physical activity or pleasurable experiences, act as natural mood boosters.
Oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone,” enhances trust, connection, and emotional support.

Life map visualisation stimulates all of these four hormones, therefore you feel joy, liberated a ready to move on.

Creating Space for Joy:

When fear takes up all the space in our minds, there’s no room left for joy. To invite joy back into our lives, we need to make space for it. Instead of trying to eliminate our fears completely, we can acknowledge them and give them a place in our lives. However, it’s important to remember that fear should not occupy all the space, so there’s enough room for joy to flourish.

Conclusion:

It’s time to let go of the past and embrace the present moment. By understanding our fears, utilising tools like the “Life Map” worksheet, and creating space for joy, we can ignite our future and live a life filled with excitement, growth, and happiness. Remember, you have the power to shape your own destiny and create a future that brings you fulfillment.