“The “what ifs” and “should haves” will eat your brain.” ― John O Callaghan
Yes, the "what ifs" and "should haves" will eat your brain. So will the "shouldas" and "wouldas" and "couldas".
And not only does this kind of ruminating on the past naw away on your brain like a zombie— it also robs you of your capacity for joy in the now.
And now is all any of us really have. Why squander it?
And yes, learning from past mistakes can be a wonderful opportunity to learn how to move from good to better to best in life.
Unfortunately, if we replay our past mistakes and perceived screw ups too many times those past events can quickly become quicksand that bogs us down.
We become stuck in the past unable to move forward. Unable to embrace all the possibilities and power for change that awaits us in the now.
So maybe, just maybe — the next time you find yourself thinking about a mistake you've made (and we all make mistakes — that's how we learn) or kicking yourself for not having stuck to your exercise plan or your plan to save money or your plan to _______ — simply exhale and then breathe in. Breathe —slowly and fully without force. Repeat.
Pressing reset on your breathing will create space for you to press pause on your thought zombies.
Now once you’ve paused the zombies, ask yourself: What did I do that was helpful? What might be more helpful next time?
Reclaim your power over the thought zombies by focusing on what you did that worked and how you can build on that in order to begin again. Right here and now.
Then make a plan and move forward.
No one has the power to change the past but we can learn from it to create a better future. By doing so the present moment becomes illuminated with possibilities. Right here, right now — life gets better.
Feed the thought zombies or starve them out.
The choice is up to you.