The future starts today, not tomorrow. Pope John Paul II
We all have things we would like to accomplish in life. We would like to be a better person. We wish we could spend more time doing things that bring joy to our souls. We hope for the day when our dreams become reality.
Have we done anything to reach those goals today?
How easy it is to putter through our days, patting ourselves on the back for utilizing yet another life hack to squeeze more productivity out of our minutes, all the while spending our time and energy on little of lasting value.
I think we sometimes forget that what we do today affects us tomorrow. As Marcus Aurelius said many centuries ago,
What we do now echoes in eternity.
In other words, we are leaving a legacy, whether we realize it or not. When others look back at our lives, what will they remember? Will their memories make us proud, or make us cringe?
The good news? We can begin to change that legacy today.
Why not start today…
- To live in accordance with your own values. Maybe the “American Dream” isn’t your idea of success. Maybe you already have all you need, and today you can decide to take time to enjoy it.
- To practice the character qualities you want to be remembered for. What small act of generosity, patience, or servanthood can you accomplish today?
- To spend a few minutes doing something you love. Dust off that sketch book, pull out the knitting needles, lace on those skates. So what if the dusting doesn’t get done. Feeding your soul is more important than a perfect house.
- To take a step toward a dream. It doesn’t matter how small. It doesn’t matter how out of reach the dream may feel. Take one step. And then another one tomorrow.
The wise little prince in Antoine de Saint-Exupery’s classic novel says,
I know a planet where there is a certain red-faced gentleman. He has never smelled a flower. He has never looked at a star. He has never loved anyone. He has never done anything in his life but add up figures. And all day he says over and over, just like you: ‘I am busy with matters of consequence!’ And that makes him swell up with pride. But he is not a man—he is a mushroom!
Don’t become a mushroom. Start today to live a life that matters.
