Stockpiling Sorrows and Building Ambition

One change I put into place in December that made me very happy was clearing off my desk so I'd have a place to study. I hadn't been able to study well or concentrate in my room, and always tried to do my scripture study in the library, because it was more effective. Now my desk has become my center of study, where I can work through homework problems or study spiritual matters, and there aren't distractions. Lately I've noticed what I keep at my desk now that it's a peaceful refuge for me. There's a couple pictures of Christ, and a fun little puzzle calendar. Naturally I have pens and pencils and that kind of thing. But I've got a few other items which are notable because they remind me of problems I've had and personal weaknesses I now struggle with.

So what led me to have these symbols of my sorrows displayed on my desk? I guess one thing is a reminder of hard times that have passed; a reason to hope when I feel down. I think they also help me realize my hopes, desires, and ambitions. I've long considered a lack of ambition, motivation, and drive one of my weaknesses. At this point in my life I feel like I'm starting to overcome some of that, to hope for something better and actively make good things happen. I guess I don't want to try to forget the bad, because there's no good without the bad. I know it is unwise to dwell on the past, but at the same time I'm sure that what I need is to learn from my mistakes and move forward.