My future isn’t something that happens some other time. My future, whatever future I invent (all futures are invented), is happening now ...in my head. That’s the only place a future can exist. Same with a past. My past is happening now ...in my head. That’s the only place a past can exist.
The great news about my past and future is that they’re imagination, projected NOW. I create them. Even if I don’t realize it. Even if I am ashamed or terrified of them, they’re my creations and what I create with them is a PRESENT.
If I’m ashamed of or embarrassed by or regretful of my past, I am ashamed or embarrassed or regretful RIGHT NOW. If I don’t want to be, I can work on what I’m creating, which is nothing more than an upsetting present.
If I’m afraid of, paralyzed by or anxious about my future, I am afraid, paralyzed or anxious RIGHT NOW. If I don’t want to be, I can work on what I’m creating, which is nothing more than an upsetting present.
The question of my peace is a question of which past brings me peace NOW, which future brings me peace NOW. If it does not bring me peace, it is not my past. If it does not bring me peace, it is not my future.
When I have the courage to get quiet and open myself to a truth that differs from my stressful story, I find that the present moment is always kind, peaceful, connected, enough. There is never any problem in the present moment. Only thoughts of problems that have no way of actually existing in the present.
If I’m mortified about my past, I’m wrong about it. I need a new past. Now.
If I’m dreading my future, I’m wrong about it. I need a new future. Now.
And getting a new past or future happens NOW, not in the past or future.
If I want a peaceful past or future I can find it by going in search of the truth. Now.