YOUR FUTURE PRESENT.
WEEK 7 of 2025!!!
Ah, it’s a New Year. I bet your sights are on the future, that’s what the New Year is all about. Half way into February and doing just fine!!
Well, that depends on the circumstances. I shy away from discussing the future with patients because they need to be in the NOW. Let me explain why.
Too many people are diagnosed with depression, coupled with increased findings about early onset dementia. Fortunately, we can recognize the signs, take care of symptoms, and prescribe medications and therapies to help lessen the suffering.
But here’s the thing: Why not permit yourself to be happy now? Right NOW.
Why wait until you’ve made more money, lost weight, or met the love of a lifetime? Those things are future fantasies. Find something to smile about today.
Let’s assume you’ve achieved your goals. Nice job…for now. The pleasure will pass, for pleasure is only temporary, and then you will be on to a new fantasy.
Fantasy can’t be harnessed, treated or diagnosed. You cannot become stable, happy or appreciated in fantasyland. Happiness is not an external event. It doesn’t happen to you or for you. It happens in you. It happens when you are in the NOW. You grow when you live in the present.
Appreciate the body you have as you wake up in the present moment. Appreciate that you have enough money to pay your bills right now. Appreciate the partner who kisses you good morning each day.
When I taught, I used a little perception trick. I’d write the word "NOWHERE" on the board and ask students to rearrange the letters into something positive. The correct answer is "NOW–HERE." I wanted them to appreciate being in the moment.
Please pay attention to your inner self. Do it right NOW. Remember, NOW will never be in your future.
“Life is difficult. This is a great truth, one of the greatest truths. It is a great truth because once we truly see this truth we transcend it. Once we truly know that life is difficult––once we truly understand and accept it––then life is no longer difficult. Because once it is accepted, the fact that life is difficult no longer matters.” M. Scott Peck, The Road Less Traveled (1978)
Be in the present, it’s the best gift one can give or keep.
Again, Thanks for reading and sharing. Doc
Project24SEVEN.org
132 suicides each day. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy,
has called attention to the crisis among America’s youth.