Living in the present, or past; living today for today or for the promise of a great tomorrow – there is no failure in loving it all, any more than disliking any of its parts would be failing in some way.
Today is a box I barely opened and it sprang out with the spring and vigor early morning gives everything; there is another box - another one, sealed, sitting there, waiting to be opened tomorrow. Too many past days – past boxes – were never fully opened or explored.
Living in the present – phrase so over-used, it means just about anything depending on which quotation you read or self-pity/self-help guru you listen to. To over-value today is to discount yesterday, or to believe tomorrow cannot be as fantastic as today. This does not make sense to me.
I think there is far greater value in the past than looking at old photos or closing our eyes to recall old memories. Contrary to the view that looking back hampers our ability to look forward, my view is that recalling particularly notable moments, treasured experiences and unforgettable personalities is healthier than many other pursuits.
I look back on all the opportunities I missed, not to beat myself up, but to appreciate the sharp contrast of better choices over poorer ones, of the importance of finding our way when we feel lost. The importance of knowing what we want and how to go get it. The importance of knowing, from so many experiences we haven’t forgot, what waste of heart and mind is rendered by travelling down a futile path.
Though we lack the capacity to go back, I think we are all party to melancholy reminiscing from time to time, asking what if? and why not?, and why can’t I do that again?
Mark Kolke
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July 8 - YAHOO and YIPPEE
There's nothing like heading to the mountains to escape the bustling city. Have a great day!, CJ, Beaumont, AB
