“All you need are these: certainty of judgement in the present moment; action for the common good in the present moment; and an attitude of gratitude in the present moment for anything that comes your way.”
Marcus Aurelius, Meditations.
Think about now, what you are doing now and what you can do differently right now. Avoid dwelling on the past – be that memories of glory days gone by or recollections of less happy times. Ruminating on the ‘if only’ of your ‘possible pasts’ that are no longer in your control isn’t good for your mental health. Living in perpetual anticipation of the future – in fearful apprehension or optimistic expectation – also is time wasted in daydreaming when so much is not in your control.
Focus on the here-and-now. Understand your emotions. Control your perceptions. Take action that is likely to achieve your intended outcome. And, above all, be grateful and acknowledge everything that ‘is’ right now – be it in your control or not. These are the three presents that life gifts to you today.