to those who stare at the past and have their backs turned to the future

The past. It makes up a part of who we are. It directs and points the way to what we will become. It is a lesson.

Memories of the past are given unto us as lessons, not windows of opportunity for us to mourn and cry. To wallow in sadness over past mistakes is a grave mistake in itself. Cherish the experience and learn from it. Know that what you've learnt from it can be used to change and affect the present and future.

I leave the past in the past and use that experience to grow not diminish my life.
-Ronald DiBisset

We store within our past an infinite cache of wisdom from which we can draw lessons to better our future. It is a gift to be able to do so. Don't turn it into a curse. A person living in the lpast is a person reliving his death.

When you make a mistake, don't look back at it too long. Take the reason for the thing into your mind and then look forward. Mistakes are lessons of wisdom. The past cannot be changed. The future is yet in your power.
Hugh White

As living breathing human beings, we need to learn to look forward: Brighten up our days and rise afresh like the sun. Let not the weight of the past drag you down. Step upon them as you would stairs and rise higher instead. Be free.

Yes, the past can hurt, but the way I see it, You either run from it, or you learnt from it.
-Rafiki in The Lion King