Episode 109: Release the Past, Redesign Your Future In this episode, Kimen Petersen explores the universal challenge of letting go of the past to step fully into the future. Through personal stories, powerful metaphors, and practical exercises, Kimen guides listeners on how to acknowledge, learn from, and release what no longer serves them. Key Highlights: The weight of the past: Why dragging old regrets and pain holds us back. The illusion of memory: How our perspective colors our recollection of events. Personal stories of overcoming disappointment, injury, and childhood trauma. The power of reframing: Turning pain and rejection into growth and compassion. Practical steps for letting go: Acknowledge, learn, and release. Exercises for living in the present and creating a future by design. Inspirational quotes and reflections on resilience, empathy, and self-advocacy. Actionable Takeaways: Treat the past as a teacher, not a prison. Reframe setbacks as opportunities for growth. Practice presence through mindful exercises. Write down what you’re ready to let go of, and outline steps to move forward. Timeline Summary 0:00 – Introduction to the podcast and today’s theme: letting go of the past. 0:40 – The metaphor of the past as a heavy burden; why we must bury it. 1:45 – The illusion of memory and how perspective shapes our stories. 2:55 – Kimen’s half marathon story: disappointment vs. outside admiration. 4:30 – Childhood trauma and the long-term impact of early experiences. 8:00 – Injury and recovery: lessons in patience and self-compassion. 11:30 – The three steps to handling the past: acknowledge, learn, release. 14:00 – Reframing pain and rejection; stories of Walt Disney and Oprah. 16:00 – The power of the present moment; exercises for grounding. 18:00 – The future as a blank canvas; setting new goals. 20:00 – The hard work of letting go and reframing meaning. 22:00 – Visualization exercise: dropping the weight of the past. 24:00 – Final reflections, challenges for listeners, and closing thoughts.