Don’t Stare

 It is OK to look back on some bad behavior, but don’t stare at it.  You want it as a source of information to someone who might need to know how you improved your life from bad/not too good/disastrous/mediocre, which is where they might be at the time.  The past can be helpful to remember how far you have come.  But to stare at it is to start down the old well-traveled road of shame and guilt.  Stop punishing yourself.  The past is done.  Live in the present moment.  There is not much gratitude for what you have if you are not present to it now.  And forget about “I should be better.”  Just work on today and “better” will come along in due time.  False pride is very sneaky.  It hides behind the “should.”  You are alive today, so there is a plan for you.