The Past Is Open 24/7: But You Don’t Have to Shop There

Themes: Quality of life, rumination
Helpful for: Anxiety, trauma, relationships

If the past were a store, it would be Wawa, open 24/7, always stocked, and never turning the lights off. No matter what time it is, you can walk in, pick up old memories and revisit conversations. Not only that, but you can rehash pain, or replay moments you wish went differently. The shelves are endless: regrets in aisle three, what-ifs near the checkout, and that thing you said five years ago still sitting by the frozen section, waiting to be re-examined. But just because it’s open, doesn’t mean you have to shop there. Sometimes it can be nice to reflect on the past. Our memories live there, both good and bad. But, when you’re spending too much time living in the past, you’re actually missing a lot of what’s going on around you now.

The Present is Where You Want to Be

The present is where life actually happens. It’s the only place where change is possible, where healing starts, and where the next thing is coming from. The solutions you seek, like peace, growth, progress, don’t live in the past. They’re made in the present. So how do you move out of living in the past? Start by noticing when you’re mentally checking out of the moment and "shopping" in old memories. Awareness is the first step. From there, ground yourself in the present with small actions: deep breaths, naming five things you see around you, or focusing on the next right choice you can make today. Therapy, journaling, and mindfulness practices can also help you gently let go of the past’s grip. You don’t need to erase the past, but you can stop revisiting it like it’s your only option. The present is stocked with better choices.