John Glanvill • Anxiety Specialist & Researcher • Anxiety • OCD • Bipolar • ADHD • Energy • Online Treatment Course • Sensible Spirituality

Time… The only reality is NOW!

In this 23-minute animation, I wish to teach you how to look at time differently. Many anxious people believe that their past affects their future, but this is not true. It is only what actions (not thoughts) that we take in each moment now, that will influence what happens to us in our next future moments. 

Goal of video

This animated video begins the process of teaching you how to look at life differently so the stories in your mind become less and less believable as you continue to develop your observer point of view.

I hope I can really get through to you the profound juxtaposition about how little control we have over life (and ourselves) and the egos (or minds) belief that it knows what will happen next and what you should do in any moment – (which, of course, is ridiculous.)

Those of you with obsessive thoughts or overactive thinking minds – please consider that, to a certain extent, you are addicted to thinking, planning or being perfect.

It takes no energy to become the Observer –  watching your thoughts. And as you do, you might just see that they spend most of their time on if only” stories about the past (which is a complete waste of time.) Or, what if” stories about the future – when the only time that is real (and where you can make a difference) is now.

Key messages

We are always fixed in the now, and time moves through us – it arises, hits us in the now, and then fades to become the past.

Your past is not making your future. Your past just got you to this point, and it is what you do in this moment called now that will influence your future.

Therefore, every moment is a new now and you can be any person you wish in this moment called now. Don’t cling on to stories about who you used to be.

Confidence does not come from knowledge, experience, planning or control. It comes from the attitude of not knowing what will happen next, but still trusting yourself holding optimism in mind, and not worrying about what others may think of you – because you like yourself and have learned to stop being horrible to yourself.

Start becoming more honest about what YOU want to happen in each moment. Don’t dwell on the past or fear the future – take action now and see what happens.

 

The Only Reality Is Now: The Transformative Power of the Present Moment

The idea that the only true reality is the present moment is a timeless concept deeply rooted in philosophy, spirituality, and modern psychology. At its core, this philosophy emphasises that life unfolds exclusively in the “now” and that our ability to shape our futures rests entirely on what we do in the present. Dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can trap us in cycles of regret and anxiety, but aligning our attention with the present moment offers clarity, empowerment, and a path to transformation.

Understanding the Concept of “Now”

The present moment is the only point in time we can directly experience and influence. While we remember the past and anticipate the future, these experiences exist only as thoughts or projections in the mind. The past, no matter how vivid, is unchangeable, and the future is merely a possibility shaped by actions taken in the present. Therefore, the “now” is the only reality we truly inhabit.

From a practical standpoint, life happens moment by moment. Every decision, action, or inaction occurs in the present, shaping the course of what comes next. The future is not a fixed destination but a result of the cumulative choices we make in the present. In this sense, focusing on “now” is not an abstraction—it is a direct acknowledgement of how we create our lives.

How the Present Shapes the Future

The future unfolds as a consequence of the actions we take right now. For example, developing a skill, nurturing a relationship, or improving one’s health depends entirely on consistent effort in the present. Every moment offers an opportunity to make choices that align with the life we envision. The notion that “someday” things will improve becomes an illusion without present action, as “someday” never arrives independently of today.

Consider someone who dreams of running a marathon. This goal will remain a distant possibility unless they lace up their shoes and take the first step today. Similarly, repairing a damaged relationship requires being present and choosing to engage in honest communication in the moment. These actions, seemingly small and immediate, ripple forward to create future realities.

Letting Go of the Past and Future

One of the most liberating aspects of focusing on the present is freeing oneself from the burdens of the past and the uncertainties of the future. While the past can offer lessons, clinging to it often leads to regret or stagnation. Likewise, excessive focus on the future can generate anxiety, as it is filled with unknowns. Neither the past nor the future can be controlled—they exist as mental constructs. Only the present moment offers the ability to act and effect change.

This perspective does not dismiss the importance of learning from past experiences or planning for the future. Instead, it encourages a balance: using the past as a teacher and the future as motivation while fully engaging with the present as the space where real change happens.

The Role of Mindfulness in Living Now

Mindfulness practices align closely with the philosophy that the present is the only reality. Mindfulness teaches us to bring our awareness to what is happening in the current moment, whether it’s a thought, feeling, or external experience. By anchoring ourselves in the present, we can break free from distractions, tune into our actions, and make deliberate choices.

For example, mindfulness encourages someone overwhelmed by stress to pause and focus on their breathing rather than becoming consumed by what-ifs or regrets. This simple act of grounding oneself in the present can create a space for clarity and better decision-making, reducing impulsivity and emotional reactivity.

The Power of Action in the Now

Action in the present is the key to creating the life we want. Often, we get stuck waiting for the “perfect moment” or ideal circumstances to make changes, yet the perfect time never comes. Change requires courage and commitment in the now. Taking even small steps today—writing a single page, making a single call, or choosing to exercise—can set transformative processes in motion.

Small actions accumulate over time, compounding into significant results. Just as planting a seed today can grow into a tree in the future, the efforts we make now pave the way for the life we want to live. Conversely, inaction in the present guarantees that nothing will change, perpetuating cycles of dissatisfaction and inertia.

Living Fully in the Present

Living in the present doesn’t just help create a better future—it also enhances the quality of life. By fully engaging in the moment, we experience life more vividly. The richness of life is found not in a distant “someday” but in the simple yet profound experiences of today: the warmth of the sun, a shared laugh, or the satisfaction of completing a task.

When we embrace the present, we connect more deeply with ourselves and others. Relationships flourish when we are fully attentive to our interactions, and personal growth accelerates when we consistently act in alignment with our values and goals.

Conclusion

The idea that the present moment is the only reality we have is both empowering and grounding. It reminds us that the power to shape our lives lies in the actions we take now, not in lamenting the past or fearing the future. By letting go of distractions, embracing mindfulness, and taking deliberate steps in the present, we unlock the potential to create a meaningful and fulfilling future. Ultimately, the “now” is not just where life happens—it is where life is transformed.