Why Focus on the Past?

We all talk about “the past,” whether we’re reminiscing about events that happened decades ago or relating an incident that occurred yesterday. I have no quarrel with talking about what has already happened—as long as you know why you’re doing it. Too often, however, I hear discussions about childhoods and personal history that make me wonder what their purpose is. Why do you talk about “the past”? Sometimes we look to our history to fondly remember people, places, and events, intentionally recalling our graduation from college, a big date, home-coming of a new puppy, a child’s first word, or a visit to Paris. This life-enhancing activity can make you feel warm and fuzzy all over. Other times we consciously turn to memory for information—the name of that guy who was such a great dancer, the date of our last dental appointment, that funny saying of grandma’s. To recall information is also a very good reason to visit “the past.”  Often we look to what happened in childhood to make sense of what’s happening now. We think, “I get it, Dad had alcohol problems, so maybe that’s why I married someone who has them too” or “Maybe the reason I believe I’ll never have enough food is because we were so poor growing up that I often left the table hungry.” Bingo! Understanding the roots of current behavior by exploring “the past” can be highly productive and actually shift present thoughts and behavior in a positive direc...
Source: Normal Eating - Category: Eating Disorders Authors: Source Type: blogs