While we can't literally delete the past from our brains like files on a hard drive (if only), we can rewire how we feel about it, how we respond to it, and how much control it has over our present mind and precious moments. Here's a breakdown of how to "let go" of yesterday without deleting all of your history.
Instead of thinking “I want to delete it” whatever your it may be, shift the thought to: I want to free myself from this emotional grip. That means giving yourself permission to acknowledge the past without living in it. It happened. It shaped you, by shape you it may mean you now move in a smarter or more enlightened way, after being presented such information or behavior. But it doesn't define you.
Next time an old, invasive memory pops up, talk back to the memory. If it starts messing with your peace of mind, say to it: "That happened, but I'm not that person anymore." You can even go as far as to give the memory a name and say: " Thanks for the lesson "twenty ten" but you're not needed anymore." This tells your brain to put the memory in the past instead of reliving it like it’s present or occurring right now before your eyes.
Be honest with yourself: What exactly are you holding onto? Is it Guilt of a decision? A breakup? A mistake? Say it out loud, write it down and allow yourself to feel it. Suppressed emotions have the tendency to stay stuck, acknowledge them so they can pass and avoid a ticking time-bomb reaction.
Most importantly I want you to acknowledge the higher power within you. Call on the most high creator. You can say a prayer like: "God, I give you what I can not carry and what's heavy on my mind. You already know what's on my mind because you created me and you told me you have a plan for my life in Jeremiah 29:11. I please ask that you show me the plan because now all I feel is the pain. I don't want to give up Lord so help me forgive, help me heal, and help me move forward. In Jesus name, Amen. This could help in forgiving yourself. If you're anything like you, you blame yourself for allowing certain people or circumstances in your life that, in the end caused you emotional or even physical damage, but you must forgive yourself. Why? Because you’re not the same person you were yesterday. Growth doesn’t always look obvious, and at the same time you can tell yourself: "I am who I am today and not my past mistakes, and I believe it!"
Say out loud: “I release what I can’t change, and I forgive myself for not knowing better then.”
You may not be able to rewrite yesterday, but today, right now, in this very moment, you can be happy -for yourself, for growing, land for learning to accept your journey as a unique and certainly one who God is not finished with yet.
Come back later for more practical steps on how to let go of yesterday. Let today spark the belief that your happinesses begins right here, right now, in this very moment.