Leave the Past Behind

Most people talk about the past as something that we should leave behind.

I’ve even written those words to myself in my journal.

Keep moving forward. The past is done. The hurt, the isolation, the anger. You spoke your truth.

A few weeks ago, I changed my tune.

A Name from the Past

Out of the blue a friend popped into my head. I hadn’t thought about her for years.

We were roommates for part of my Sophomore year at Syracuse, then we lost touch when I left for Washington DC. Living together had not been easy – our lifestyles were really different – and so, we moved on.

When her name came to mind, I remembered how much I loved her voice. She was a musical theater major and she sang beautifully.

The whispers that we hear inside of ourselves are divine. When we listen, they move us toward something soulful.

Julie Kelley, Founder Truly Jude

Lucky for me, it’s not 1992 anymore and I could google her!

What I discovered was lovely to see and hear! She was sharing her musical talents through chanting, meditation and yoga.

As soon as I played this first video from her website, I was so happy to know that she had found her soulful space.

What Happened Next

I decided to email her.

I was just thinking about you and started googling. What a beautiful discovery to hear your voice singing in a sacred space! Yoga has been a transformative part of my life and I love seeing where it has taken you. Many blessings my friend❤️ Julie

Blogs are not meant to be Pollyanna … and the truth is … she didn’t remember me. At first, that stung a little. We all want to be remembered.

That’s not what I am left with though.

I valued her friendship 30 years ago (long before Facebook would have kept us “connected”) and I love knowing that, in some way, the universe pulled us toward a shared belief in sacred spaces. That’s a lovely gift from letting my past back in.

Another Soulful Reconnection

I’ve been gifted twice recently with reconnection.

I was in college when my brother married a woman who I just adored. She was spunky and fun, successful in business and someone that I loved.

I remember the day that I found out that they were separating. I cried because I felt such a loss.

Many of us have felt this kind of grief. Families go through divorce all the time. Eventually, we heal and move forward and celebrate the many blessings that come afterwards.

I always prayed that her life was filled with blessings too!

A Beautiful Gift

Last week, I received the most beautiful gift – a message from my past – and it brought me to tears.

Julie, I am incredibly inspired by you. I love your creative, deeply personal, and humble beautiful stories. You make we want to be a better person. Your words provide “heartfelt feel good moments”that don’t involve spending money on items or experiences. I can feel and experience the emotions you are sharing when I read your blogs and watch your videos. What a gift you have. You are a profound storyteller! Love you. Georgia.

You can read a million blogs with tips on putting the past behind you, letting go, and not dwelling. All of those have good points, especially if it’s unhealthy for you.

But, I am proof that there is another side to letting the past back in and it feels soulful.

Truly,

Julie

Your. Soulful. Spaces.