While we may not want to face it, the simple truth is that yesterday’s choices — of other people to a very small degree perhaps, but overwhelmingly our own — have led us to be what we are and where we are today.

Consequently, it’s really very simple. If you are happy and at peace with where and who you are today, carry on.

If you aren’t, and if you truly want to make the change(s) necessary to be the person you want to be and live in a way that brings you true peace and joy, there’s a bit of work to be done. By you.

In the weeks to come, we’ll be looking at the simple (albeit not always easy) few steps you must follow to change the trajectory of your life.

Don’t worry. I’m not going to suggest you spend countless hours reliving your post and agonizing over your every mistake no matter how minute. Instead, we’re going to start with TODAY (with one tiny exception) and move forward.

So here you go . . . step one to lasting change.

Simply accept the fact that who you are and where you are today is a result of your own choices. No blame games or beating yourself up over the past.

(And here’s that tiny exception. If you know in your heart that one or more of your past choices has/have not been repented of, address that now.)

Don’t try to hedge your bets. Eradicate the little “but” and “well, except for” that lingers in your mind.

Simply face the fact — in fact, embrace it as the first step to positive change that it is — that your choices have led you to be who and where you are.

When you can and have done that, you’ll be ready for step two, which is much easier (and which I’ll share next Thursday).

Join in the conversation via a comment below or on my facebook page (Patti Miinch) about making positive, lasting change . . . or anything else you want to discuss.