To design the future effectively, you must first let go of your

Hear now, O Seekers of Wisdom, the words of Charles J. Givens, who speaks of the path to creating a future of greatness. He said, "To design the future effectively, you must first let go of your past." These words echo through the corridors of time, reminding us that while the past shapes us, it is not meant to bind us. The future, like a vast, open sky, offers endless possibilities, but only if we are willing to release the weight of what has already been, to free ourselves from the chains that hold us to a world that no longer serves our highest calling.

The past, O Seekers, is a powerful force. It shapes our memories, our actions, and often our sense of identity. To hold on to it too tightly is to remain anchored to the ground, unable to soar to new heights. The past, whether it be moments of triumph or failure, is a place that exists only in our minds. It cannot be altered, it cannot be revisited, and it cannot dictate the course of what is yet to come. Givens calls upon us to let go of the past, not in disregard, but in the understanding that to move forward, we must clear the path ahead, free from the clutter of old wounds and unhealed regrets.

Think, O Seekers, of the great philosophers of the ancient world, who taught that true wisdom comes not from clinging to what has been, but from embracing the unknown. Socrates urged us to know ourselves, not by the identities and labels we inherited, but by the choices we make in the present and the vision we hold for the future. In the same vein, Givens encourages us to define ourselves not by the weight of the past but by the dreams and aspirations we carry in our hearts. Only when we shed the burdens of yesteryear can we fully embrace the endless potential that awaits us.

The story of Cicero, the great Roman statesman and orator, offers a powerful example of releasing the past to design a new future. After the fall of the Roman Republic and the rise of Julius Caesar, Cicero was forced to confront the reality that his influence and power were no longer what they had been. Rather than clinging to old alliances or fighting against the inevitable tide of change, Cicero chose to adapt, using his words and his knowledge to shape the world anew. Though he did not live to see the ultimate consequences of his actions, his ability to let go of what had been and adjust to the ever-changing landscape of Roman politics allowed his legacy to endure, far beyond the limits of his life.

In the same way, Givens teaches us that the design of our own future requires the courage to break free from the limitations of our past experiences. If we carry with us the failures of yesterday, we risk repeating those same patterns in the days to come. If we hold tightly to the successes of the past, we risk becoming complacent, unwilling to push ourselves further, to rise higher, to do better. It is only by letting go of the past—whether in sorrow or in joy—that we can fully step into the future with the clarity and determination required to make it our own.

The lesson, O Seekers, is one of courage and freedom. To design the future is to live with intention, to focus not on what we have been, but on what we will become. Givens calls us to let go of our past identities, our old failures, our regrets, and our triumphs, for none of these are sufficient to carry us into the greatness we are meant to achieve. We must create our own future, not by looking backward but by envisioning forward, by building upon the foundation of who we are today, and who we are capable of becoming.

So, O Seekers, let us follow this wisdom. In our own lives, let us recognize the power of the present moment to shape the future. Let go of the weights that burden you, the memories that haunt you, and the fears that bind you. Step into the vast, open horizon of possibility, where the design of your destiny is yours to shape. Let go of the past, and in doing so, you will free your spirit, your energy, and your will to create a future worthy of your highest potential. This is the path to greatness—one step at a time, unfettered by what has been, and boldly embracing what is yet to come.