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by Chicago Lady on February 10th, 2010
Hi Rosie! To me, looking backward serves a number of purposes. Examples include: rejoicing in sweet memories of time spent with family members and friends, reflecting on choices I have made and the directions taken, assessing situations where I managed the best I knew at the time and now see there may have been more and better options. I think reflecting on the past makes us grateful and appreciative of who we are and what we have learned.
by Riding the last galaxy on February 10th, 2010
For me, looking backwards generally serves one purpose, so that I won't make the same stupid mistakes a second time. Yes, there have been many good times in the past but it's better to create new ones now because you are presently involved. The past cannot physically be brought back, only in memory. Living in the past can be very unhealthy for the mind.
I rarely look forward beyond the day that I wake up in. I live life a day at a time and let the troubles of today be sufficient for the day.
by Moongrim on February 10th, 2010
To insure that you can remember what the return trail is, if it turns out you've been walking down the wrong path.
by Little Prince on February 9th, 2010
For Dante, it was the eternal punishment for false prophets in the 8th Circle of Hell. According to George Santayana, it's to save us from the Sisyphean doom of our past.
Sometimes you have to look backward to know the direction you're heading.
by Rip Van Winkle on February 10th, 2010
To see if THEY are gaining on you!
by kybear on February 9th, 2010
Obviously so you don't make the same mistakes over and over again.
by jostafine on February 10th, 2010
ummmmm .... for me it's for to learn from my mistakes .I think that is the the thing which give me experience in my life and also for remembering sweet memories it makes me feel happy ! ;DDDDDDD
Anyone can sail on calm seas. What do you do in a storm?
by specialorder on February 13th, 2012
| 2 people like this
"Things seem to have improved." What would cause you to get to this point? What changes would have to be made? Why?
by AnonymousGirl on February 13th, 2012
| 2 people like this
No matter how far down the wrong path you've gone, turn back! Comments?
by specialorder on February 13th, 2012
| 1 person likes this
do you love the hush of early dawn, or the stillness of dusk, the brightness of day, or the heavy silence of night?
by shunyata on February 13th, 2012
| 1 person likes this
What helps you grieve? Why?
by AnonymousGirl 20 hours ago
| 1 person likes this
You're reading The purpose of looking forward is so you don't stumble as you move ahead. What is the purpose of looking backward?
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Comments
My only visits to the past are those that are triggered by the present and they are always having to do with remembering great times with family/friends. I never look back to relive anything negative/unpleasant. I learn my lessons as I move forward and keep dropping unnecessary baggage along the way so I don't get burdened by the past. Happy memories of happy times are light as feather, aren't they my friend? Thank you for your answer ChiLady! :) ((hugs))
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on February 10th, 2010
Hi, Chicago Lady :) Beautifully stated, as always.
by Little Prince on February 10th, 2010
@ Rosie, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@ Little Prince, it is so wonderful to see you again!
by Chicago Lady on February 10th, 2010
You're welcome CL! :)
by RosieGHM Jetpacker on February 10th, 2010