Answer:I think it means you can understand your life better or what is going on now when you look back to what has happened in the past but still you can't dwell in the past you have to live in the present not letting the past affect your present.
Explanation: I think the author is going through a rough ride and he sees that past actions have contributed to what is happening now but still he can't dwell in the past, he has to deal with the present without letting past mistakes define him.
It makes me think of this saying that says *yesterday is the past ,today is a gift and tomorrow is a mystery* which means one needs to enjoy today as a gift without any regret of how one has messed up yesterday.
