Lessons from the Past

You’re not just the product of what’s happened to you. You’re also the meaning you make of it.

Write or reflect on:

• Are there patterns or behaviors I repeat today that trace back to an old experience?

• Where am I still living from survival, not intention?

• What wisdom do I want to carry forward — and what weight do I want to set down?

You’re not broken — you’re becoming. The past isn’t something to fix. It’s something to understand, so we can move forward with clarity and compassion.

Step 1:

Define the Key Moments

Step 3: Connect Past to Present

Every hard thing we’ve survived teaches us something — even if the lesson took time to become clear.

Ask yourself:

• What did this experience teach me about my strength?

• What limiting belief did I pick up that I might be ready to release?

• How has this shaped how I relate to others, to risk, to rest, or to love?

If you're struggling with this step, try free writing without pressure — just let it flow.

Step 2:

Name the Lessons

Think back to a few pivotal life events — the ones that changed you, opened your eyes, challenged you, or helped you grow. These might include:

• A major life transition (moving, divorce, career change)

• A personal achievement

• A painful loss or betrayal

• A time when you felt seen or empowered

Reflect:

• What happened?

• Who was involved?

• How did this experience affect how you see yourself today?

We don’t always realize how much our past has written into our present — into our behaviors, beliefs, and boundaries. This part of the journey is about naming the moments that shaped you and learning how to carry the lessons forward without carrying the weight.

What Has Shaped You?

Continue to: Creating Your Identity Map →