By David Tepera, June 5, 2024

I’ve written this many a time, but the biggest idiot I knew in the past was me. Once I started learning from mistakes, my life turned around and a new journey began.

Now, what I’m trying to relay to you is to quit dwelling on your past. Yes, it’s normal and difficult to let those bad decisions go, now stop beating yourself up for it. So, what, you messed up, but the only person thinking about it is you. I promise, everyone regrets stupid decisions from the past, and they are not thinking about your mistakes.

I’ve told my wife Tina many times that every good and bad decision we both ever made led us to each other. So, there’s no reason to be depressed about past mistakes. Who cares? Guess what? I’m not through making mistakes, but I’ve learned to turn those decisions into lessons.

Some of us have been through more difficult situations than others, but don’t let that define you.

Here’s a crazy thought from back in the day. I told my kids, when I was 18-years-old, I could sit at a street light, not wearing a seat belt, drinking a beer and wasn’t breaking any laws. Today, would be a whole different story.  

Listen, you have to let go of the past. Who are you today? Are you a better and kinder person now? Do you treat people with respect? I don’t care what your financial status may be, we are all in this world to make it a better place.

At the end of each day, when you lay your head on the pillow, reflect on all good deeds accomplished for the day. It’s as simple as being kind to everyone you encounter. How many people did you open the door for and greeted them with a smile?

Bottom line, it doesn’t matter the mistakes from the past, it comes down to what you’re doing today. Remember, what ever happened yesterday is in the past, so make today better. Why not? You have control of every decision and action you take.

Now, what’s your game plan to make today better than yesterday? If you hurt someone, apologize, and make it right. I bet you will become great friends again. Get the past out of your head because today you choose happiness.