Over the years and through my interactions with people, one of the things that I have learnt is not to judge people by their past nor by who you think that they were. No matter how someone may have been and how their past was, the truth still remains that it is not impossible for them to change. As much as many other things can change, people can also change. One of the reasons why I do not write people off is that, more often than not, their past cannot define their future. In fact, people have the propensity to grow, develop, adapt, change, and become a better version of themselves.
I have heard about people who came from grossly negative past to become great in the present. Some days ago, I was watching the testimony of a preacher who was so bad in the past that he was like a usual face in police custody. He was an embodiment of trouble within the community and everyone was already tired of him. He was locked up more times than he could remember for various crimes. However, at this present moment, he life has turned a new leaf, and he has become a preacher and a motivational speaker, motivating people with his life. This is a very powerful evidence and testament to how people can change.
No matter how someone's past may be, it does not mean that their future will follow that same line, so do not give up on them. For yourself too, do not give up on yourself. You may have taken some wrong steps in the past, done somethings that you are not proud of, even followed after some pathways that are unwholesome, but one thing still remains that there is a possibility for change. You will be surprised at the extent that people can change. However, for change to happen, there are things that you need to understand, because changes do not just fall from the sky, they are made to happen.
The first thing to know is that change has its root in the mind. Before you can change, there must be a need for you to first believe within you that change is possible. Transformation usually begins by having a new and positive mindset. You should not see yourself in negative light, nor as victim of circumstances, but you have to always maintain a positive mindset and believe that no matter what has happened wrong in the past, things can still change and get better. You will agree with me that the way an individual thinks will definitely determine a lot of things about them - including their actions. If you keep telling yourself that change is possible, then it will become possible because it will realign your mentality to think towards change.
In addition to having a positive mentality, you also need to act it out. If you must change to be better, then you have to put conscious efforts to change. The truth is that no good thing may be delivered to you by mere wishes but by putting the relevant actions. Change does not happen by magic, it requires work - intense work and being consistent over time. If you do not work on yourself to be better, then you may not get better. A true transformation is only possible with conscious and continuous efforts. Note that it is not what you can achieve in a day but with consistency, you will be able to achieve it.
Another very potent way to effect a change is to move with the people that will support the kind of change you seek, not the people that will still keep you bound in your old ways. For example, if you want to quit the habit of smoking, then you should not move with people who have the habit of smoking. The way your friends are will determine how your own life will be modelled after. You are not under any obligation to become friends with anyone, so who you should be friends with should be someone that will add positively to you and make you to become a better version of yourself. Always have in mind that change is possible, but it is still dependent on the choices you make in life.
Thanks for reading
I agree, don't judge. Even the ugliest caterpillar will turn into a beautiful butterfly. Same with the most beautiful flower fades its beauty overtime.
As human we change base on our thoughts. What we are thinking is what we become.
I like the analogy of the caterpillar and butterfly that you gave.
Thanks for the insightful comment, friend.