People often say things like never look back... leave the past in the past... 

I do agree with these statements to a degree.. we can't move forward while focused on the past... but I also feel that once you have changed and moved forward it is good to turn around and face where you used to be and truly recognize that is not where you want to be now... that you are happy where you are.. 

many times we idealize or glamourize the past... we think about the fun times or what we have missed out on... 

so this weekend.. I was able to look at my previous life and smile.. and say with confidence that while there are some people there that I loved and will always love to some degree... that is no longer where I want to be.. and surely not where I belong... 

and today.. I go back to the life of promise... to the place God has put me.. has kept me and will continue to do so... 
and for that I am very thankful...