Everyone has chapters in life that we wish we could rewrite. Moments of regret. Words better not said or those that should have been. Choices that led to unexpected pain. Grief over the loss of a loved one. No matter how much we dwell, overthink, or replay the scenes in our minds, what’s done is done, and we can’t return to those moments.
A favorite saying of mine goes way back to days on the farm. When I wished for a do-over for days gone by, a dear friend would remind me, “You can’t go nowhere on yesterday’s train”. Of course, the improper English is obvious, but that makes the statement all the more striking. We can’t bring back the past no matter how we wish we could.
Have you ever tried to catch a train that left yesterday? No. Of course not. That’s not how trains or time work. Yet, it’s easy to do this with every day problems. Obsessing over yesterday, it’s easy to study it like there’ll be a pop quiz tomorrow.
Chasing after emotional locomotives that have long since pulled out of the station, some cling to the idea that maybe, just maybe, the past can be rerouted. Hence the perfect advice on the subject. You can’t go nowhere on yesterday’s train.
Still, many remain tethered to what was. We carry emotional baggage like a badge of honor that gives control or meaning. But in reality, it’s just added weight. Regrets and grief will mess with your health, sleep, and relationships besides clouding your happiness.
So, how do we begin to accept the past and finally move on?
Acknowledge it. Look for life lessons. Hold onto the good while releasing the bad. Forgive. Focus. And then, move on.
Of course, the past marks our souls. But here’s the deal. Revisiting it over and over doesn’t change a thing. It’s like refreshing a website from 2007 and expecting new content. All you’ll find are regrets and out-dated design choices.
Focusing on the past or future ignores the present. Living in the past can fan the flames of shame, sorrow, and regret. Living in the future can bring anxiety and fear. Meanwhile, the present sits here like a lonely golden retriever with a tennis ball while waiting for you to come play.
So, just let yesterday’s train go on its way.
Stand on today’s platform. Look around and maybe even buy a coffee from the kiosk of mindfulness that only accepts good vibes and exact change as payment. Today is all we’ve got, and it’s worth showing up for. Because, if you spend all your time trying to re-board a train that’s already gone, you’ll miss the one that’s about to leave the station. A fresh, present-moment express headed straight toward joy and growth.
Now go live like today’s train just pulled in with snacks, legroom, and Wi-Fi. The best route is the one leaving right now. If you hurry, you won’t miss it.
More tomorrow.