Fear Not the Pendulum – RIDE IT!
By Stephen L Doherty
March 16th, 2025
“Our lives are like a pendulum, swinging between
what is and what could be.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
I occasionally circle back to places that produced the cherished moments and events that shaped my life. Be it the old church I was married in, the now silent gymnasiums and ancient ballfields I played in, or just the neighborhoods – where every corner, nook, and cranny hold the memories of my personal history. Like Aladdin’s lamp, the occasional re-touching of such hallowed places does something amazing for my heart and soul.
In a world that too often eschews the past in favor of the present or looking ahead, I would argue that a healthy and happy life requires, even demands that we occasionally revisit the many moments and landmarks that dot our personal histories. While true that we rarely recapture the magic of such places and moments, we can be gently reminded of the special meaning they held for each of us.
Only in this manner, can we provide perspective and contextual filtration for what lies ahead. My mother was fond of declaring that “sometimes to move forward, we need to move back.” I have often found that before writing new chapters in my own life – that valuable insight and emotional and spiritual guidance can be obtained from such excursions.
In a world that constantly pushes forward, where innovation and change are celebrated, the past often gets left behind. Yet, as we strive toward an uncertain future, the ability to revisit the past becomes a powerful tool. It serves as a compass, offering wisdom, perspective, and grounding in a rapidly evolving landscape. Whether in personal growth, business strategy, or societal progress, looking back provides the clarity needed to move forward with purpose.
History—both personal and collective—is a reservoir of lessons. Every success and failure carry insights that can guide future decisions. Individuals who reflect on past experiences can identify patterns, avoid repeating mistakes, and reinforce behaviors that lead to success. Businesses that study their history understand market shifts, customer behaviors, and past strategic missteps, making them better equipped to adapt to change. This is not about “living in the past” which is more about escapism and avoidance, but rather utilizing our past by revisiting it, for the betterment of our futures.
Revisiting our past is also about emotional growth. Many people try to forget painful memories but facing them with a new perspective can be healing. Understanding past struggles, heartbreaks, and failures allows individuals to process emotions, find closure, and move forward with resilience. I have been amazed at the different lessons my past has taught me depending on where I am presently and what future journeys and endeavors, I’m currently attempting to navigate.
The past is not meant to be a prison but a guide. When approached with the right mindset, it becomes a source of strength, wisdom, and direction. Whether navigating personal growth, business decisions, or societal challenges, revisiting the past offers invaluable insights that help shape a better future.
As we forge ahead into any new era of rapid change, we must always remember that the lessons of yesterday are also the stepping-stones of tomorrow. By honoring our past while embracing the future, we can move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose. A good friend of mine once offered up this wonderful homily as it relates to how we view our past. “Always remember this when looking back. Glance … don’t stare.”
“Just as the pendulum swings,
so does the nature of time and destiny.” Leonard Cohen
