Memories, experiences, and even old habits can cling to us like the weight of a heavy tide, pulling us back into familiar waters. While there’s comfort in revisiting the past, dwelling there can prevent us from fully embracing the future. At a certain point, we need to step forward—to turn our backs on those familiar tides and move toward what lies ahead.

Extraneous Pathways considers one of the hardest parts of leaving the tides behind is releasing old narratives. We often cling to stories about ourselves that keep us locked in certain patterns—stories about who we are, what we deserve, and what we’re capable of. These stories might have been shaped by past experiences, but they don’t have to define the future. Letting go of these narratives allows us to step into new roles and possibilities. It’s an act of reclaiming our agency and recognizing that the future is ours to shape.

The process of stepping forward also involves forgiving ourselves and others. Sometimes the tides of the past are filled with regret, disappointment, or pain. We may find ourselves revisiting old wounds, replaying moments we wish had gone differently. But staying in that space only deepens the hurt. By choosing to step forward, we’re choosing to heal. We acknowledge the past without letting it control us. We allow ourselves the freedom to move into a future that’s not weighed down by old burdens.