by King Leonidas

Created on: March 11, 2011

The only life you are capable of living is the life of today. What was yesterday and will be tomorrow are mere perceptions, an illusion of sorts; neither past nor present exist except within our minds. There is only now, and to live outside of now is a life of suffering.

Those who carry the weight and burdens of yesterday do so in vain. Those who worry about tomorrow do so, anxiously. To live a good life means finding peace and joy in today.

Because we have the minds we do, it can be difficult to let go of the past. We carry memories; some cherished others of sorrow and pain. Though, ask yourself - what does carrying around that pain or tying emotional trauma to thoughts and  memories of the past doing for you? Are they bringing peace and joy into your life? Are they helping you in some way to make your life a better one? No good can come from holding on to the pain of the past.

The only tasks you are capable of performing are right here and now. There is nothing wrong with planning or thinking ahead, though when you begin to obsess on the future and it affects your current state of being, then you are not allowing this day to be the best that it can be.

Many people worry about what the future holds. Some worry about what college their child will attend or how they will pay for it. Others might worry about financial problems or other daily occurrences. If you have a dilemma there is no good reason to worry about it. If you are capable of solving it, then solve it without worry. If you are not able to solve it, then why worry?

Living in the present is the first step to living a good life. Living with purpose and conviction also lead to a good life. If you were meant to be doing something other than what you are doing right now, then you would be doing that. We are fortunate that we have the free will to make decisions. With any decision comes a consequence, positive or negative, and we must learn to accept accountability for all our actions and decisions.

Allow yourself to be at peace and you will find your purpose for this day. Bring a smile to another’s face and you will be blessed many times over.

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