What's Right? What's Wrong?

The Topic for this issue is "Living the Moment" On what does your mind focus most of the time? When people are asked this question, the most frequent response is on the future, then the past, and lastly the present. This is unfortunate because the present is the most critical because that's where the action is. Think about driving a car! Now and then we look back via the rear-view mirror. Occasionally, we look ahead to approaching areas. But mostly we need to focus on the immediate present in order to arrive safely at our destination. This illustration applies to living life as well.

Only after we begin to look back on our lives do we realize how much time, effort and worry we devoted to things, situations and circumstances that were and are out of our hands: little matters when we were young and bigger matters when we are older. Any area of concern over which we have no control is cause for worry and becomes a "no win" situation that detracts us from where we can and do make a difference. Only after we begin to identify and dismiss those things which are out of our hands, are we in a position to focus our time and effort on the here-and-now in bringing about constructive and positive changes. This results in less worry, greater accomplishments and improved quality of life for the individual and those with whom he or she comes in contact.

Consider the following viewpoint. "First, I was dying to finish high school and start college. and then I was dying to finish college and start working. And then I was dying to marry and have children. And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough so that I could return to work. And then I was dying to retire. And now, I am dying... and suddenly I realize I forgot to live."

There are two days in every week about which we should not worry- two days which should be kept free from fear and apprehension. One of those days is yesterday. Learn from its mistakes, faults, blunders, aches and pains, and put it away. The other day we should not worry about is tomorrow with its possible adversities, burdens and promises. This leaves only one day- today. Anyone can fight the battle of just one day. It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down. In the words of the writer Kay Lyon, "Yesterday is a cancelled check, tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash we have- so spend it wisely."  Daniel Taddeo   taddeo.fairwaypress.com