Between Two Worlds

As human beings, we are often caught between two worlds – the past and the future. We reminisce about the good old days and also strive to create a better tomorrow. But what about living in the present? It’s a notion that often gets lost in the constant shuffle of our minds.

But for me, the present is just as important as the past and the future. I remember the past because it has shaped me into the person I am today. My experiences, both good and bad, with the people I love and those who have loved me, have molded my character and taught me valuable lessons. They have become integral parts of my identity and I carry them with wherever I go.

If you find yourself in Missouri, like I was, you’ll learn that The Big Tree won’t come to you. To witness its grandeur, you must carve out time and venture off the beaten track away from the bustling crowds. I remember the day when we set out on a side track, leaving behind the familiar trails to discover the remarkable beauty of The Big Tree. It’s these kind of moments, together with family, captivated by the awe-inspiring presence of this natural wonder that I most appreciate. They ground me in the now. Carrying the memories like these with me brings me a bit of serenity that helps me to keep putting one food in front of the other.

It is this walking and living in the present moment that I believe is crucial. It seems to me it is the ultimate skill. It’s the only moment that we think we have complete control over. The past has left the building and the future is uncertain, but the present is here and now. The here and now is our personal playground where we get to make choices that can truly make a difference in the end game – our grand finale. That’s why I have made the effort to try to cherish and stay in the moments of my day and try to make the most of my time to positively impact the future.

But even as I live in the present, I am constantly planning for tomorrow. I am a firm believer in setting goals and working towards them. It gives me a sense of purpose and direction in life. I am constantly seeking growth and improvement, and planning for the future is a key part of that.

However, I can also sit beside Gump and understand that “life is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get!” The future is unpredictable. Despite our best plans, the universe always manages to throw a curveball or two that can quickly change our best laid plans. That’s why am all about seizing the day and embracing the present to make the most of every opportunity that comes my way -even the ones that were not on my map!  I mean, I even penned a book on how to discover a deelishus life by making killer choices every single day.

In this fast-paced world (especially at the start of a new year), it’s easy to get caught up in the constant cycle of reminiscing and planning – beautiful planners with lovely stickers and sentiments – and forget to live in the moment. But I urge you to pause, take a deep breath, and appreciate the present. I recommend meditation, yoga, guided imagery, music, and sound bathing as solid tools that help me live in the moment – a gift that we often take for granted, but it’s also the foundation for a meaningful tomorrow.

As author and motivational speaker, Tony Robbins, once said, “Live in your moment of decision, and then you can make the best decisions in your life. If you don’t make a decision to change your life now, then you have already made the decision to not change. Life is a decision, live it.” So, let us make the decision to value and embrace the present, as we remember the past and use its lessons to plan for an epic tomorrow.

I honor the place in you that holds courage and offer you this mantra for your next meditation:

What is your best tip for living in the now?

Daily writing prompt

Do you spend more time thinking about the future or the past? Why?

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