I may have realized why we are stuck in the illusion of "could have chosen differently".

We can’t imagine future possibilities without also imagining how the past could have gone differently, despite our knowledge that the past has always been fixed.

The future vision, which is imagination, is required for us being able to shape the future as we envision. It is a creative power.

But when turned toward the past, that same imagination may become a source of regret and sorrow.

But if it is an illusion when applied to the past, might it also be an illusion when applied to the future? If the past is fixed, then might also the future be similarily fixed?

Instead perhaps it is "whatever will be, will be".

If that is so and I am correct, then there is no reason to worry about the future, and there is also no reason to mourn the past.

If I am correct then everything is and always has been in the hands of God. And our imagination, both future and past, is a tool for him.

We may find we cannot help but imagine. But what we can do is put an end to the belief that we could ever have done differently, and to the idea that we are flawed or faulty because of how things unfolded, or will unfold.

There is a peace in letting go of that belief.

So much text, just to say "Don't worry, be happy". Well. That's philosophers for you. But perhaps, I have made it clearer to someone why it is the right thing do to, to not worry and be happy. It is difficult to do so, when we do not trust that it is true that we can.

Since we cannot stop imagining the past, perhaps we can learn to reframe our understanding of the past. Which is exactly what realizing there was never a choice in the first place does. It moves us into a mental place of trusting the unfolding.