Goodbye to Yesterday

Every day I say I’ll try something new
Make some changes that are long overdue
Tryin’ to wrap my head around it
Still remain surrounded
By walls that I can’t seem to get through

A part of me so keen to see
What I will find if I leave it all behind

I keep dreaming ’bout where I could be
About the places and the faces I’d see
This is bigger than myself
I know that no one else
Can do what’s clearly up to me

It’s never too late to change your fate
Right here and now, I’m gonna turn my world around

I can’t stop what I’ve started
‘Cos I’m finally on my way
And it’s time to say goodbye to yesterday
If this goodbye hurts I’m sorry
But it’s got to be this way
‘Cos it’s time to say goodbye to yesterday

Well, I used to think I was stuck on red
Now I know that it was all in my head
But I’m done making excuses
Can’t fool myself, it’s useless
I’ll follow my own lead instead

A part of me so keen to see
What I will find if I just leave it all, leave it all behind

(Lyrics by J.P. Maunick / M. Brandis)

Those who know me well know that I am a lyrics JUNKIE! And like any other art form, lyrics can often speak to you in different ways. The lyrics above are to one of my favorite songs from Incognito’s last album Surreal. I have listened to this song over and over again, but it wasn’t until a few days ago that the words really hit home for me and inspired me to write this post.

I’m certain that all of us can identify with many of the words in this song. What I find interesting is that if you listen to the song itself (or watch the video above), you will not hear someone singing sadly about letting go of the past, but of someone excited about the future. Many times we think of letting go of the past, of “saying goodbye to yesterday,” as a negative step, like getting rid of an old and comfortable, but raggedy, pair of sneakers! But the song is about happily putting aside the things that can weigh you down and moving forward, stepping into the person you need to become.

I’ve decided to let these lyrics speak for themselves. Let this song inspire you. Perhaps your “yesterday” is a past hurt that you have not been able to let go of. Or it could mean saying goodbye to old friendships, jobs or situations that have held you captive. Maybe it’s time for you to say goodbye to your comfort zone and step into your purpose. Maybe it’s as simple as letting go of the stress of the day and looking forward to tomorrow. Whatever it may be, think about your “yesterday” and don’t be afraid to say “Goodbye.”