I have found as much as I have forgotten much of the past or at least try not to think about it… there are patterns of behaviors I have as well I have learned and need to work on unlearning
People cant change their past or the past deeds. This applies to me as well. I have had some very unpleasant times too. I try to keep them from entering my mind. It is not easy but there seems no other go.
Getting more and more involved with the present would be a great way to lighten some of the load that people carry with them. Sometime past memories can also act as potential trigger points to certain traits and behavior.
Keeping an optimistic outlook helps in many way, but it is not the easiest of things to do.