The past, present, and future are all connected - at least the past and present, for the future is never a guarantee. Some people focus so much on past mistakes and incidents that they're unable to enjoy the present, which limits them in their future. Others are so wrapped up in the present, it becomes increasingly difficult to plan for the future. Lastly, others spend so much time preparing for their future, they're unable to enjoy the present, which makes it more difficult to enjoy certain aspects of their future. Trying to balance all three time periods can be extraordinarily difficult, but I think it's fairly critical to at least be cognizant of this juggling act and attempt to find balance for a happier life.
When I was growing up, it was often times very difficult for me to focus on and enjoy the present. I was often times hobbled by some unfortunate childhood incidents, as well as some serious health problems. This led me to focus on the past, which depressed me in the present. When I moved past this stage, I tended to ignore the past and present to simply focus on my future with my studies. Today, I'm finally comfortable (or accepting) of my past and attempt to think about my future at times, but am finally trying to live in and enjoy the present. Some may believe I don't think about my future enough, but without the present, there is no future. So I've finally stopped overwhelming my mind with all the what ifs pertaining to the unknowable future. I'd like to believe that with hard work and effort in the present, the future will look brighter - much brighter than if I focused so much on my future, it overwhelmed me to the point of not being able to be as productive in the present..
I think this mentality can be extremely beneficial in many areas of life. The focus shouldn't be on what one's goal destination is; it should be on how to get there. It doesn't do one much good to simply say, "I want to be a millionaire" without a plan of some kind on how to achieve that. When in a relationship, the focus shouldn't be on getting married within a certain time-frame; it should be on how to reach a point when marriage becomes a realistic possibility. When married, the focus shouldn't be on just remaining with the person 50 years down the road; it should be on how to maintain a healthy and happy relationship with the person for the next 50 years. Without a plan and a grand effort to get there, the wannabe millionaire will forever be just that. Without hard work and effort, the wannabe marriage will crumble before the "I dos" can be shared. Without continued hard work, a marriage will either completely fall apart or be miserable well before 50 years have gone by.
This isn't to say it's not important to think about one's future. It most certainly is. However, just like with wrapping oneself up in their past to the point where they can't enjoy their present or future, the same is true with a person wrapping themselves up in their future. Often times, it's best to just look at the past as a series of building blocks to help us reach the present, and seeing the present as a gift to be thoroughly cherished and enjoyed. A smile is never guaranteed for tomorrow, so why not enjoy life and smile today?
When I was growing up, it was often times very difficult for me to focus on and enjoy the present. I was often times hobbled by some unfortunate childhood incidents, as well as some serious health problems. This led me to focus on the past, which depressed me in the present. When I moved past this stage, I tended to ignore the past and present to simply focus on my future with my studies. Today, I'm finally comfortable (or accepting) of my past and attempt to think about my future at times, but am finally trying to live in and enjoy the present. Some may believe I don't think about my future enough, but without the present, there is no future. So I've finally stopped overwhelming my mind with all the what ifs pertaining to the unknowable future. I'd like to believe that with hard work and effort in the present, the future will look brighter - much brighter than if I focused so much on my future, it overwhelmed me to the point of not being able to be as productive in the present..
I think this mentality can be extremely beneficial in many areas of life. The focus shouldn't be on what one's goal destination is; it should be on how to get there. It doesn't do one much good to simply say, "I want to be a millionaire" without a plan of some kind on how to achieve that. When in a relationship, the focus shouldn't be on getting married within a certain time-frame; it should be on how to reach a point when marriage becomes a realistic possibility. When married, the focus shouldn't be on just remaining with the person 50 years down the road; it should be on how to maintain a healthy and happy relationship with the person for the next 50 years. Without a plan and a grand effort to get there, the wannabe millionaire will forever be just that. Without hard work and effort, the wannabe marriage will crumble before the "I dos" can be shared. Without continued hard work, a marriage will either completely fall apart or be miserable well before 50 years have gone by.
This isn't to say it's not important to think about one's future. It most certainly is. However, just like with wrapping oneself up in their past to the point where they can't enjoy their present or future, the same is true with a person wrapping themselves up in their future. Often times, it's best to just look at the past as a series of building blocks to help us reach the present, and seeing the present as a gift to be thoroughly cherished and enjoyed. A smile is never guaranteed for tomorrow, so why not enjoy life and smile today?
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