Pinned by the Past: Breaking Free from the Weight of Old Mistakes

SHOW NOTES:

On this show…we are breaking free from the weight of old mistakes by unpinning ourselves from our past. Ever feel like no matter how much you grow, your past keeps showing up like an old playlist you didn’t ask to hear again? You’re finally moving forward—changing your habits, setting boundaries, maybe even feeling hope—but suddenly, wham, a memory, a regret, or a “what-if” slams into your progress like a closed door. I recently came across this line in a book that hit me right in the heart: “I was a butterfly pinned by my wings to the canvas of my mistakes.” That image has stuck with me. Because haven’t we all felt like that at some point—frozen, exposed, and unable to fly, not because we can’t, but because we’ve been too tightly tethered to the past?

In this episode, we’re digging into what happens when we stay stuck in past mistakes and how that mindset quietly shapes the way we see our future. We’ll explore how self-forgiveness isn’t just a feel-good idea—it’s a critical step in claiming your growth. We’ll talk about the emotional toll of living under an old narrative, how to begin rewriting it, and what it means to truly unpin yourself from your past. Ready to reclaim your wings? Let’s get into it.

Let’s start by talking about what it actually means to be “stuck in the past.” It’s more than just ruminating on old memories—it’s when your self-worth, decision-making, and ability to hope are shaped by events you can’t change. It might sound like: “I always mess things up,” or “I don’t deserve better because of what I’ve done,” or even “I’m not the kind of person who gets second chances.” That internal dialogue becomes a trap—one that feels like self-protection but slowly suffocates growth.

And the consequences? They’re sneaky. You avoid new relationships because of old heartbreaks. You turn down opportunities because you’re afraid of failing like you did before. You even stop dreaming because the you from the past already “decided” your limits. It’s like driving with the rearview mirror as your guide—and surprise, you’re missing what’s right in front of you. Being stuck in the past doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re human. But healing means learning to thank your past for the lesson… and then gently close the book.

How to Let Go of Past Hurts: 8 Ways to Move On

Twelve Steps to Self-Forgiveness

You’re not behind. You’re not broken. And you’re definitely not defined by your worst moment. Every time you choose to show up, speak kindly to yourself, and take a step forward—you’re rewriting the story. And this time, you’re holding the pen.

CHALLENGE: Stop seeing your past as a prison and start viewing it as a chapter—one that shaped you, but doesn’t get to write your ending. Today, choose to unpin yourself from the canvas of old mistakes and start creating something new, bold, and beautifully unfinished.

I Know YOU Can Do It!