Forget the past - the future will give you plenty to worry about.

In the vast unfolding of time, there exists a profound wisdom that echoes through the ages: forget the past, for it is the future that holds the challenges, the victories, and the lessons yet to come. George Allen, Sr., in his simple yet deeply insightful words, “Forget the past - the future will give you plenty to worry about,” speaks to the heart of what it means to live fully in the present and embrace the unfolding of tomorrow. The past, with all its triumphs and failures, cannot be undone; it is a closed chapter, one that must be released in order to move forward into the unknown, where the true potential for growth lies.

To hold onto the past is to be bound by its weight, trapped in memories and regrets that no longer serve us. The ancient philosophers, such as Epictetus, warned that the past is a source of suffering only when we refuse to let go of it. Epictetus spoke of the importance of focusing on what we can control—the present moment—and letting go of what is beyond our grasp. In his view, the past is a mere illusion, a fleeting shadow that casts no power over the one who chooses to live in the light of today. By turning away from the burdens of yesterday, we free ourselves to embrace the challenges and possibilities of the future.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, whose empire spanned from Greece to India. His triumphs were many, yet he was not consumed by his past victories. Instead, he focused on the future, driven by an insatiable desire to conquer and to push the boundaries of what was possible. Though his past battles were celebrated and remembered, Alexander's gaze was always forward, seeking the next challenge, the next horizon. He understood that to dwell on past glories would prevent him from achieving the greatness he envisioned for the future. His example is a timeless reminder that the future, with all its uncertainty and potential, is where true greatness lies.

The wisdom of George Allen, Sr., like that of Alexander, teaches us the value of embracing the future with courage, rather than being paralyzed by the past. Life’s difficulties, struggles, and mistakes are part of the human experience, but they should not define us. The future is a land untouched, a realm of infinite possibility. To cling to the past is to forsake the opportunities that await us in the coming days. The present moment, with its fleeting nature, is the only time we have to prepare ourselves for the challenges that the future will inevitably bring.

This lesson is not just theoretical; it is practical. Worrying about the past—about things we cannot change—is a waste of precious energy. The future will indeed offer enough to focus on, whether it be the challenges of career, family, or personal growth. The true test of strength is not in how we hold on to what has already been, but in how we face what is yet to come. History is full of figures who faced overwhelming odds—Nelson Mandela, for example, endured 27 years of imprisonment, yet he did not let the past cloud his vision for a unified South Africa. Instead of dwelling on the injustices he suffered, he focused on the future, where hope and reconciliation could flourish.

In our own lives, the lesson of George Allen, Sr. is clear: release the past and direct our energy toward the future. The future will indeed bring struggles, but it is also the realm where dreams are born, where possibilities unfold, and where we can shape our destiny. Let go of the past, for it is a prison that keeps you chained to old wounds and regrets. Instead, focus on the steps you can take today to build the future you desire. Let your heart be open to the challenges ahead, for they are the very things that will shape you into who you are meant to become.

The lesson here is simple: worry not about what has been. Instead, face the future with strength and resilience, knowing that the path forward is where true growth lies. Each day offers the opportunity to build a brighter future, and in order to do so, we must cast aside the shadows of the past. Let go of what cannot be changed and focus on what is yet to come, for the future will always give us plenty to focus on—plenty of opportunities, challenges, and victories—and it is through these that we will find our purpose.