One must always maintain one's connection to the past and yet ceaselessly pull away from it.
Gaston Bachelard

Good morning! This quote really got me thinking. One of the facts that has been determined is that in order to find true contentment and lasting joy we have to live in the present. If we become overly reflective of the past, or overly concerned about the future, then we begin living solely in our minds, versus in the physical world. The physical world of our daily lives is where we must live in order to create happiness and joy.

Of course, that is easier said than done! As women, we are very good at worrying and anticipating obstacles that have yet to arrive. We are also good at criticizing ourselves for the mistakes of the past. But what good does either of these two practices do besides sap our energy from living "in the now?"

This quote inspires my realization that there is a healthy connection to both past and future, but beyond that, we must pull away from letting either past or future control what we have the ability to create in our daily life. We can learn from the past - but let's not dwell in it. Instead, let us learn the lessons and apply them today. Let us be "researchers" in our own lives, noting what influenced us in the past, what made us happy, what we regret - and let's take this research and apply it to maximize today.

Likewise, let us look forward to the future with passion and excitement and expectation. Let us realize that if we live "in the now" we stand the best chance of creating the tomorrow we have always desired.

Your Turn:
Notice today how many times you spend reflecting in the past or worrying about the future. Consciously draw your attention back to "now" -- the only place where we can create true change.
 

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