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Living in the Future or in the Present

July 22, 2010 By Jean Wise

I live in the future.  I am a planner, organizer, to- doer of the highest regard.
This realization hit me once again this past weekend. Walking into Barnes and Noble, just to look around, I saw them –2011 calendars  
Like an eagle diving to snatch its prey, I raced over to the display.  So many bright colors and varying formats before me. I felt like a child drooling over all the possibilities at Toys R Us or an addict finding just the right fix. I even held in my hand one calendar dated 2011 and 2012 – two year of planning. I had to buy one.  In fact, I bought two.
My husband just shook his head at me. “There is still half of 2010 left you know.”
He is right.  I think I can somehow control the future when I have dates and notations for boundaries.  How sad to miss the present gifts surrounding us being too busy looking ahead.
I have been reflecting about my reaction of joy and excitement over next year’s calendar.  At first I chastised myself for being so future oriented and not embracing the present moment, but now realize that hey, that is how God wired me. I accept that and to be truthful, appreciate that organization is a God-given ability.  When I live out of my strengths, I do feel energy, passion and aliveness.
But I also know I miss part of life when I don’t also embrace the present moment.
Dale Carnegie said, “One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living.  We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon – instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today.”
Can’t I do both?  Continue to enjoy the promises of the future while not forgetting the joy of the present?  What do you think?

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Comments

  1. blankJean Wise says

    July 23, 2010 at 1:48 am

    GLad to know I am not the only one to get all giddy over calendars. and encouraged you think I can live in both. I guess the goal would be don’t lose sight of the present while planning ahead.

  2. blankLaura says

    July 23, 2010 at 12:02 am

    Yes, Jeanie, you can. The trick is balance!

    By the way, I’ve bought my 2011 calendar, too…!

  3. blankKaren says

    July 22, 2010 at 8:54 pm

    Jeanie, yes, you can. I know because I see you do it. 🙂

  4. blankGraceful says

    July 22, 2010 at 8:15 pm

    Wow Jean, you are speaking straight into my heart today. I make a beeline for those bright new planners, too, no matter what time of year it is. I love to organize and plan ahead. But you are so right…I miss so much happening the present because I have my eyes so firmly focused on the future. It’s a real challenge for me. I think some people are blessed to be able to enjoy both present and happily anticipate the future…but that doesn’t come naturally to me!

  5. blankClella says

    July 22, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    I think you certainly do both! And no one does it better, but this is a post which causes me to pause and reflect on my own attitude toward the present and the future. Thanks. Clella

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