Is there a really easy way to stop obsessing over the past?

No.. other than do something.. just be a busy person always building not reflecting so much.

I think it has to do with a need to be in control. We can't control our environment, or other people. Once we recognize that, we can understand the past cannot be changed. It's a done deal. I cannot undo yesterday, and getting stuck there cheats the present and colors the future.

Why waste now on before?

You have control of your mind. Just watch for the thought that lead you to think about the past and think of something different.

Even plan something you’d rather think of when you start going down that path.

It may take some time, but you can do it.

Mindfulness. As soon as you realise your thoughts are on the past, bring your awareness into the present. Focus on what is, and that will chop off dwelling in the past.

Keeping yourself occupied and being focused will help. But it's not easy initially.

Eventually it does begin to get more difficult our memories were constructed in a way to protect against this -very- problem.

What I mean is that blessedly our minds alter memories every time we access them and we should probably thank our lucky stars especially when you have a past full of crappy memories you're best forgotten anyways the way mine was.

all my persistent efforts at indivdual nostlagia eventually gave way to a past that certainly must have been a bit different than the one remembered...

it's all shot full of holes at this point You can try to cling but eventually it just gives way it slips through your fingers and things gradually drag you back into the present.

I believe memory probably evolved this way for damn good reasons. if it had been perfect we really would be imprisoned and tormented by those past. so a slightly -less- than perfect memory is actually a blessing when you think about it really.

Awareness that your past is in the past, it is gone. It doesn't exist beyond your mind.
Today exists. And obsessing over what doesn't takes away today. And what you could do with today.
Letting go, forgiving, mindfulness - all that is instrumental in helping you get to the present moment.

{@whisperinangel] i am going to be honest there are peole that have done basd things towards . deep down i am still angry and bitter towards them . but basically what is done is done you cannot do anything to alter what has gone before

No not until you find something new

No you just have gradually let it go over time

Learn from it, then forget the events, apply the learnings.

Otherwise, you'll have new obsessions every day as you invent new pasts.

Yeah, take a short break from FB, and other things that might remind you of your past. And pick up a new hobby!

Sounds really cliche but just don't think about it. Chase it away with another thought.

Certainly. You resolve each issue. If you can't become a callous sociopath it's your best shot.

Work towards the future is about the only way I found

No. I have the same issue at times.

no there is jot an easy way

Obsessing about the future

Focus on the present...

what happened?

No, but keeping busy definitely helps. Take on a project. It really works!

Plan for the future.

🍷. Works for me 🤷‍♂️

Ugh I wish

I have a mantra that I repeat to myself: "the past is dead". Then I get busy with other things.