This Is the Time to Lay Down What Was and Receive the Goodness of What Is
- Chuck Roundtree
- May 29
- 4 min read
Life is a continuous unfolding, a series of chapters where one must end for the next to begin. Yet, letting go of the past can often feel like releasing a part of ourselves—one that carried us through joys, pains, and transformation. But what if we approached this transition not as a loss, but as an act of love?
To fully step into the goodness of what is, we must acknowledge and honor the version of ourselves that once was. Instead of resisting or regretting, we can embrace them with deep gratitude, knowing they did the best they could with what they knew.

Honoring Your Past Self with Love
There was a time when your past self carried burdens, made choices, and navigated life the best way they knew how. They handled responsibilities, felt pain, experienced love, and created the foundation for the person you are today. Rather than looking back with criticism or shame, speak lovingly to them.
Say, “Thank you.”
Thank them for their strength. Thank them for the lessons they learned, the resilience they cultivated, and the wisdom they gained. Thank them for giving you the space to be that person in that time.
Even if they made mistakes, even if they struggled, they were doing their best. And now, because of them, you are here—wiser, stronger, and ready to embrace the present moment.
This is a high form of self-love. It is an act of healing that softens the grip of the past and allows for true acceptance of who you are now.
Affirmation for Letting Go with Love
"I honor the version of me that walked before. I thank them for their strength, their lessons, and their love. With gratitude, I release what was and fully embrace who I am now."
Practice: A Love Letter to Your Past Self
To bring this process to life, set aside 10–15 minutes for a self-reflective practice.
Find a quiet space. Sit with yourself in stillness, taking a few deep breaths. Feel into the presence of your past self—the one who lived, struggled, and dreamed before you.
Write them a letter. Speak to them as you would a beloved friend. Acknowledge their journey, honor their pain, and celebrate their victories. Let them know they are not forgotten but deeply appreciated.
Read it aloud. Feel the words land in your heart. If emotions rise, allow them to flow. This is a sacred moment of integration.
Offer yourself a physical gesture of love. Place your hand over your heart, give yourself a hug, or look into a mirror and say, “I love you. I honor you. Thank you.”
By doing this, you create space for healing. You are not abandoning the past; you are integrating it with love so that you can walk forward with openness and grace.
Pathways to Move Forward as the New Version of Self
Now that you have honored and released the past, it’s time to step fully into who you are becoming. This new version of yourself is empowered, whole, and ready to embrace the limitless possibilities ahead.
Here are some pathways to move forward:
Embrace Presence Over PerfectionThe journey forward doesn’t need to be perfect. Allow yourself to be present in each moment, trusting that each step is leading you toward a greater version of yourself. Release the need for everything to be perfectly in place and simply show up with your full heart.
Align with Your Core ValuesReconnect with your core values. What truly matters to you now? What do you stand for? By living from your authentic values, you create a life that reflects who you are becoming, not who you were.
Create New IntentionsWith the space cleared, set clear, intentional goals for the future. What kind of life do you want to create? What energies, habits, and actions will help you align with your highest potential? Declare these intentions and let them guide your actions.
Cultivate GratitudeAcknowledging what’s right in your life right now fosters an open heart for what’s to come. Practice daily gratitude to deepen your connection to the present moment. It’s through gratitude that we receive the fullness of what we’ve released and invited in.
Nurture Your Body, Mind, and SpiritA new version of yourself requires care. Make space for self-care routines that nurture your well-being. Whether through nourishing food, meditation, yoga, walks in nature, or creative expression, commit to practices that sustain and empower your growth.
Seek Connection and SupportSurround yourself with those who support your evolution. Seek out communities, mentors, or friends who uplift you, encourage your growth, and challenge you to become the best version of yourself.
Celebrate Your ProgressEvery step forward is a victory. Celebrate your growth, even the small wins, and honor the progress you’ve made. This reinforces the positive changes within and encourages you to keep moving forward.
Now is the Time to Receive
You’ve laid down what was, honored the lessons, and released what no longer serves you. Now, with an open heart, you are ready to receive the goodness of what is. Trust that the universe, life, and your own divine path are unfolding in perfect harmony. Step forward with confidence, gratitude, and the knowledge that all you need is already within you.
Now is your time to rise, grounded in who you are and who you are becoming.
Go be The Love Affect!
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