Living now, living in the past, and living for tomorrow is a spectrum that deserves critical thought and balance. One extreme end of the spectrum is to be living only for now, giving in to every whim and desire without consideration for the consequences. This makes a person susceptible to doing things right now that will cause their demise and prevent them from also being able to enjoy tomorrow. For example, reckless behaviors like substance abuse or financial irresponsibility might offer temporary pleasure but lead to long-term harm.
The other end of the spectrum would be living only for tomorrow, constant planning and preparing without ever stopping to smell the roses. This makes it impossible to also live and find joy in today. You might become so focused on your goals that you neglect to appreciate the journey, to celebrate small victories, and to find happiness in the present.
The ideal is to find a healthy middle ground, to be mindful of the present while still considering the future. Do things now that your future self will thank you for, like making healthy choices, pursuing dreams or achievement, and building strong relationships. And do things now that your present moment will thank you for, like taking time to relax, pursuing hobbies & passions, and showing love and kindness to others.
The past is there to learn from and become a better version of yourself as you enjoy now and tomorrow. Reflect on your experiences, both successes and failures, and use those lessons to grow and improve. Don’t dwell on past mistakes but rather use them as opportunities for self-improvement. And cherish fond memories as they add richness and context to your life.
By embracing this balanced approach, you can live a life that is both meaningful in the moment and fulfilling in the long run. You can find joy and purpose in the present while still working towards a bright future. And through it all, you can become the best version of yourself, living a life you can be proud of.