When the Past Knocks, How Will You Answer?

"Every ghost from our past arrives with a lesson—whether we run from it or grow with it is our choice."— James McPartland

In the story of our lives, we often encounter two types of ghosts: one friendly and one not so friendly. These ghosts represent aspects of ourselves we’d prefer to hide, yet they hold valuable lessons for growth and self-awareness.

The friendly ghost surfaces through reflection and has the rare ability to help us befriend our past, even the difficult parts. Reflection calls up old memories, not so we can relive them, but so we can reframe them. Hardships become teachers. They shape resilience, deepen empathy, and transform setbacks into wisdom. Through this lens, seeing a ghost from the past becomes an opportunity for growth rather than fear.

The unfriendly ghost emerges through projection. It shows up as reaction: physical agitation, mental stress, or emotional outbursts when an old wound is triggered. Instead of owning what is happening inside us, we place the discomfort on others. We chase ghosts by fighting battles we cannot see but feel deeply. In these moments, we defend ourselves, lash out, or try to control the situation. It is a drama of blame and protection, written not by the present but by the shadows of the past.

Life often feels like watching a play unfold. The past lingers on one side of the stage, while our “coming attractions” wait on the other, ready to repeat if we continue to play the same ghost games. By learning to recognize the silhouettes of both ghosts in our daily lives, we begin to understand how each shapes our choices

• Seek empowering meaning in life experiences

• Distinguish current reality from memories casting shadows

• Recognize the hidden value inside upsetting experiences

• Remember lessons we’ve already learned

• Avoid “breaking the mirror” just because we dislike the reflection

To make the most of these visitors, we can treat them as teachers rather than intruders. Take them for a walk through journaling or conversation, share the lessons they reveal, or toast them with gratitude for the wisdom they carry. Catch them early when old patterns sneak in, and laugh when you notice how often you’re pulled back into the same ghost games.

The ghosts of our past will always pay us visits. The question is not whether they appear, but how we greet them. Do we resist, react, and repeat the cycle—or welcome them as guides who remind us of the lessons that help us live with greater awareness and wisdom?

Mac 

Mac 😎