Skip to content

Behind Quote by Brigid Gorry-Hines

“Life has a way of going in circles. Ideally, it would be a straight path forward––we'd always know where we were going, we'd always be able to move on and leave everything else behind. There would be nothing but the present and the future. Instead, we always find ourselves where we started. When…” quote by Brigid Gorry-Hines
Download Open image
““Life has a way of going in circles. Ideally, it would be a straight path forward––we'd always know where we were going, we'd always be able to move on and leave everything else behind. There would be nothing but the present and the future. Instead, we always find ourselves where we started. When we try to move ahead, we end up taking a step back. We carry everything with us, the weight exhausting us until we want to collapse and give up. We forget things we try to remember. We remember things we'd rather forget. The most frightening thing about memory is that it leaves no choice. It has mastered an incomprehensible art of forgetting. It erases, it smudges, it fills in blank spaces with details that don't exist. But however we remember it––or choose to remember it––the past is the foundation that holds our lives in place. Without its support, we'd have nothing for guidance. We spend so much time focused on what lies ahead, when what has fallen behind is just as important. What defines us isn't where we're going, but where we've been. Although there are places and people we will never see again, and although we move on and let them go, they remain a part of who we are. There are things that will never change, things we will carry along with us always. But as we venture into the murky future, we must find our strength by learning to leave things behind.””

Brigid Gorry-Hines

About This Quote

Life cycles repeat, memory shapes us, and the past provides guidance; we must balance remembering and letting go to move forward.

In simple terms: Life repeats; memory guides; we must let go.

Key Takeaway

Honor past, release weight, embrace future.

Themes

memory growth life cycles letting go strength

Mood

melancholic hopeful

Type

memory:1 growth:1 life cycles:1 letting go:1 strength:1

When to use this quote

  • career transitions
  • grief processing
  • goal setting

Key Concepts

psychology philosophy personal narrative

Questions to Reflect On

  • What memories aid you?
  • What do you need to release?
A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on past can hinder progress.

3.9 out of 5 (3 ratings)

More Behind quotes

Browse all 1,625 Behind quotes