Today is a Present – Live in the Present
Each day we are given is a gift. Living a life of balance means that we are making the most of each day. Are you living in the present where you can make an impact on your own life and the lives of others?
To me, this means that we need to be productive and give back to the world each day that we are here. It also means that we need to enjoy each day by being fully present in each moment. We need to let go of the past and all of our “could haves” and “should haves” each day.
National Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day
There is actually an annual Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day? This day is celebrated the third Saturday of July each year. What a great idea. But do we really need a national day for it? I don’t think so. We need to let go of the past on a regular basis, not just once a year.
According to the National Day Calendar website, the Toss Away the “Could Haves” and “Should Haves” Day was,
“Created by author and motivational speaker Martha J. Ross-Rodgers, this day is intended for all to let go of the past and live for the present. To help with this venture, find a paper and pen, write down your “could haves” and “should haves” and then throw it away.”
Be Fully Present in Every Moment
This reminds me of one of my favorite quote by Eleanor Roosevelt, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, and today is a gift. That is why they call it the present.” I have this quote on the wall above my desk to constantly remind myself to let go of the past and live in the present.
The past is history that we cannot change. Once we’ve evaluated past events for lessons that we needed to learn, we need to let it go. Dwelling on past mistakes and regrets won’t help anyone. There gone, in the past, let go of them and live your life. And don’t let mistakes or regrets from the past ruin your present.
Tomorrow is a mystery. This is just as true. Worrying about what is going to happen tomorrow or anytime in the future steals your focus from today. There is no way for any of us to know what tomorrow holds. Yes, we need to plan for the future. We can’t go through life and expect others to take care of us. You don’t, however, need to let it overwhelm you.
Enjoy today!
We can do something about the present by choosing to live in the present where we can make an impact on our own life and the lives of others. Take responsibility and make the most of each day you are given. Take time to take care of yourself and to help others today, and every day. Make sure you are focusing your thoughts and energies on today and building your life of balance.
In other words – Don’t cry over the past, it’s gone. Don’t stress about the future, it hasn’t arrived. Live in the present and make it beautiful.
How do you keep yourself in the present moment? Let me know in the comments below or drop me a note a Janet@alifeofbalance.com.
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I just love this post. It really speaks to me. But there are parts of the past that I don’t want to let go: those sweet memories of good times with my loved ones. Those I cherish. The rest go to the rubbish bin.
Glad you liked the post. It’s fine to keep the memories of the past but we need to live in the present. Constantly reliving past memories takes us away from the wonderful things that are happening today.