Be PRESENT

Nobody "lives" in the past. The past is over. It's gone. You never have to put the past behind you because it will ALWAYS be behind you. Our actions in the past defined who we were at that time, but you are no longer that person; you are the one living today. We change a little every day; it's simply inevitable. That's why boasting about or regretting past actions only harms us. While the past is an important part of our lives, it is in the present where our ability to make changes lies. We are not merely the sum of our past; we must focus on living in the present. Living in the past is problematic because it deprives you of the chance to enjoy the present, leading to unhappiness and avoidance of current issues. It causes you to replay events repeatedly and create false scenarios through rumination. This makes past events seem much worse. The worst part is that you drive yourself to this unhappiness, and none of it is true. How terrible does that sound? We must stay present and not dwell in the past. There are good and bad things in our past. We all make mistakes and choices that aren't always good or helpful, but we are constantly changing and learning to be better, not defined by what was then. "We do not heal the past by dwelling there. We heal the past by living in the present." - Buddha

No one truly "lives" in the future. Many people worry about it, engaging in unrealistic thinking. We stress over problems that don't even exist yet, constantly seeking answers about what the future holds. This leads us to imagine scenarios that are unlikely to occur, disrupting our present just like dwelling on past events. I'm not suggesting you shouldn't focus on your future, but rather set goals without inventing non-existent scenarios. We can't predict the future, and I'm sure we're all aware of that. That's why we must live in the present. We need to appreciate each day as it comes, avoiding dwelling on past regrets or future anxieties. Imagine living each day as it is, one step at a time. The present is yours to shape (though we have daily responsibilities). You should wake up every morning grateful for being alive, and if you're like me, maybe go back to sleep for 20 more minutes :) What I'm trying to convey is that we can lead a happy, fulfilled life in the present if we don't dwell on the past or future. What happens to us is meant to be, and when something bad occurs, it often indicates that something better is on the way. The universe will find it for you, though it may require some patience. Let's start living and appreciating the present. I know it's easier said than done. I used to constantly live in the future (and still do to some extent), worrying about it daily. Then I realized I was imagining situations that didn't exist. I've never been one to live in the past, as I believe it's behind us and we should learn from our mistakes to become better. Create a present that makes you smile. Ask yourself after reading this: do I live in the past, present, or future? If you can honestly say you live in the present, I'm very proud of you, as it's difficult to achieve. If you answered one or both of the other two, try to recognize the aspects of your past and future that are causing you distress. Learn from everything, don't blame, and don't make excuses. Understand what happens in your life and shape your present.

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift; that is why they call is present.”

MUCH LOVE

XOXO