Walking With the Past

As many of us settle back into our routines after the holidays, there’s often a quietness that lingers—an invitation to slow down and reflect. This week’s Teaching Tuesday comes from George Harris Jr., who shares a thoughtful reflection on looking back not to remain in the past, but to gather the teachings that help guide us forward. His words remind us that reflection, when held with care, can offer clarity, grounding, and direction as we move into a new year.

As we settle back into our routines after the holidays, many of us are slowly finding our rhythm again. This time of year often brings quieter moments, moments where things feel a little less rushed and there is space to breathe. In those moments, it can be natural to reflect on what we are carrying with us into the new year. Not in a heavy way, but gently, with curiosity and care.

Some people live in the past. They look back to relive moments of success, the goal they scored, the home run they hit, the game where everything seemed to come together just right. Others look back because their vision is held there by pain, by experiences that sit close to the heart and are hard to release.

And then there are those who look back to find teachings. Teachings that were left for them by the ones who came before. Teachings meant not to keep us stuck, but to help guide us forward.

For me, I look back often. I see my Grandma’s teachings. I hear my mom’s words and feel her guidance, and I recognize how both of them have shaped me into the person I am today. Their teachings are not something I left behind. They walk with me. They continue to guide how I show up, how I lead, and how I try to move through this world in a good way.

I believe it is important for all of us to look to the past from time to time. Not to stay there, but to better understand where we come from so we can be more intentional about where we are going. 

As a country, we have begun the work of truth and reconciliation. That work asks us to look back honestly. Some of those truths are hard to hear, and some people are not ready or willing to hear the truths of our people. But healing does not come from turning away. It comes from listening, learning, and carrying those truths forward with responsibility and respect. In order for us to understand where we are going it is vital for us to understand where we have been. 

Over the holiday break, I had time to slow down and reflect. I spent time thinking about the teachings passed down to me by my family. I also looked back on the past year of work. I feel grateful for how things have gone. There were successes, lessons, and moments of growth. Of course, there are things that could have been done differently, but reflection allows me to see more clearly what I did well and where I want to continue improving.

Looking back gives us clarity. It helps us move forward with humility, gratitude, and purpose.

So I want to leave you with a few questions as you sit with this Teaching Tuesday. As you look back on this past year, what do you notice? What are you proud of? What teachings are you carrying forward? And what lessons will help guide your next steps?

May we continue to honour the past while walking gently into what comes next.

Huy ch qu | Thank you

Wholwolet’za | George Harris Jr

We’re grateful to George for sharing these teachings and for the reminder that reflection is not about judgment, but about understanding—of ourselves, of our histories, and of the paths we are choosing to walk. May his words encourage you to pause, notice what you are carrying, and move forward with intention and respect for all that has shaped you.

<3 Kim