I am giving myself a present. It doesn’t come in a blue box. It doesn’t cost a lot. You can take it anywhere and it is always with you. And, the best thing is that it very easy to share and give to others.
It’s The Present.
I read a quote recently on a friend’s Facebook page: “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called The Present.” The words stuck in my head and found a home there.
I live in a world of planning, promoting and pitching new ideas to prospects. I cannot begin to tell you how many weekends and holidays I have squandered working on proposals for new business instead of enjoying the day around me. I’ve spent hours of what should have been down time, looking at a screen instead of my surroundings. The only difference it has made is a chronic pain in my shoulders and neck. The ROI was small compared to the time I wasted.
So, reworking my life this year and looking toward Summer, my favorite season, I am giving myself The Present. And I want to share it with you.
Enough with the “what if’s?”, the “when’s it going to happens?” and “the why me’s ?” Let’s have more “why not’s?” and “whatever’s?”
I am going to spend more time doing the things I truly love: reading, creative writing, exploring, hiking, playing tennis, exercising and catching up with friends over dinner.
I’m going to stop over extending myself and take back one day just to have nothing planned- letting things fall where they may.
I’ll focus hard on my work when it is time and necessary then put it away when it is time to focus on family, friends and my well being.
I’ll learn something new and share my knowledge with others.
I’m going to take back time for myself and give time to the people and projects that really matter.
Sure, there will be detours, maybe even roadblocks, but I will turn them into building blocks rather than full stops. It is a road test of my willpower to make a change in how I manage time which, the older I get becomes more precious yet harder to “own.”
Cynics may say, “That all sounds great but The Present is not always that rosy and bright.” Pragmatists may say, “You have to think ahead. Keep planning so you do not lose out. It’s the Future that matters to get ahead.” Pessimists may say, “What’s the point? The outlook is grim. Things used to be better.” The Opportunist says, “There’s no time like The Present to live in the moment. It is the one thing you can control, the one thing that is certain. Seize the opportunity.”
But just ask someone who has been told his or her days or months are numbered – or speak to someone who looks back with regret and says, “Why didn’t I spend more time with the person I just lost?” And then ask yourself, am I really enjoying my day?
Turn No into Now.
Which leads me to the other quote I found that wraps it up:
”Dear Optimist and Pessimist: While you were debating whether the glass of water was half full or half empty, I drank it!” Signed, The Opportunist.
It’s time to quench your thirst! Carpe Diem!
