What to Do If You are Stuck in the Past?

If one finds themselves preoccupied with memories of the past that are over 18 months old, and the majority of these memories are negative and anxiety-provoking, it is likely that they are stuck in the past. This indicates that they have not adequately mapped out their experiences, and as a result, the parts of their brain responsible for alarm and anxiety are signaling that there are gaps in their perception of the world. These gaps have caused them to fall into negative experiences in the past, and they are unsure of how to avoid them in the future. As a result, they are unable to forget these memories, and they continue to cause recurring nightmares and negative emotions. It is important to note that fault is irrelevant in this situation, as the anxiety system does not discriminate. Similar to a smoke detector, it simply signals that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. If one is experiencing anxiety related to old memories, it is imperative that they take action to address these issues, or they will continue to be tormented by them indefinitely.

It is imperative to note that the alarm system operates indefinitely, hence it may be necessary to revisit the location and rectify any issues that may have arisen. It is crucial to evaluate one's role in the situation, regardless of how minor it may seem. The objective is to avoid being in a vulnerable position again, and any measures taken to strengthen oneself are commendable. In instances where the memory is from childhood, it is essential to update the part of the brain that still perceives oneself as a child. It is not uncommon for individuals to have unresolved traumatic experiences from their childhood that continue to affect their lives. For instance, a friend of mine had a particularly traumatic childhood experience that still haunted him in his dreams. Despite being much older now, he still perceived himself as a five-year-old in his dreams, which caused him significant distress and physiological symptoms. It is crucial to update one's perception of oneself to avoid such occurrences. hich is far superior to being five years old, as at that age, one is unable to defend oneself. However, at the age of 45, one has the advantage of experience and the ability to fight back. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of one's location. For instance, if one is on a stage and decides to move to the other side, it is akin to the famous chicken crossing the road. The chicken assumes that there is something better on the other side, and similarly, one may be motivated by curiosity or the desire to improve their situation. This is beneficial as the positive emotion systems in the brain, which are regulated by the neurotransmitter dopamine, are activated when one is moving towards a desirable goal. It is crucial to understand this fundamental system, as it is the same system that is affected by drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol, and opiates, which can be dangerous. Therefore, knowing how to activate the dopamine system in a healthy way can lead to a more positive life experience.

The neurochemical system in question is a standalone system deeply rooted in the brain's exploratory circuitry, and is an ancient system. It is activated when an individual has a destination to reach and a clear pathway to get there. The perception of the world is not based on objects, but rather on pathways with tools that will move the individual forward or obstacles that impede progress. Disruptions to the plan or pathway can lead to negative emotions such as frustration, disappointment, anger, and anxiety. Plans are directly associated with an individual's emotional perception of the world, and disruptions to plans can destabilize emotions and throw an individual into a state of chaos. The degree of chaos experienced is determined by an individual's set points for negative emotion, which is largely determined genetically, as well as their position in the hierarchy. Those who are higher in the hierarchy and have a certain degree of competence tend to have their negative emotions dampened by the serotonin system, while those who are lower in the hierarchy are more susceptible to negative emotions. Losing arguments or being demoted in the hierarchy can lead to destabilized emotions, which is why individuals tend to avoid such situations.