The seer was a specialist in the casting of twigs; he threw them on the ground and made interpretations based on how they fell. When asked how he reads the future, he replied, “It is not that I am reading the future; I am guessing at the future based on the omens of the present. The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And if you improve upon the present, what comes later will also be better.”
I recently read this quote in Paulo Coelho’s international bestseller, The Alchemist. It reminded me that too often we spend so much time reliving the past and worrying about the future, that we forget the importance of living in the present. Too often, we are unable to make the connection between the decisions of today and the impact it will have on the future. As the seer suggested, if we pay attention to improving the present, we are, in essence, improving our future. I must take to heart and share with others this important lesson.
Let us resolve together to not allow a day to pass without making a meaningful attempt at improving our present. Do not mire yourself in the murky recollections of the past or cloudy dreams of the future. Spend today improving the present. Each day offers us numerous opportunities to make decisions that will influence the quality of our future. What kind of decisions are you making on this day?
Time to check in on your progress with TOPS Million Pound Mission to lose 10 or more pounds or be a KOPS in leeway by the end of 2017. How are you doing?
By Arlene F. Clayton June 27, 2017
Really inspiring “food for thought” to look for the small moments in our daily living.
By Barb Cady June 27, 2017
Thanks so much for your feedback, Arlene.
By Arlene F. Clayton June 27, 2017
This helps getting out of the pity trough and into the light of reality in keeping the reason for eating portions and caloric intake and exercise, no matter the amount of time used for such helpful and satisfying activities.
By Anita Schofill June 26, 2017
How very true!
By Janet Pratt June 26, 2017
I love your Monday blogs. I share them on our Facebook group or our meetings. Our group is starting a chart for those who wish to take part , to put up their name and a square representing a lb for each on they lost this year as a visual and incentive for the member and group.
By Janet Pratt June 26, 2017
Forgot. This is for TOPS ON 5466 Parry Sound
By Barb Cady June 26, 2017
Awesome idea! I will be rooting for ech of them to get at least ten squares as we work on our Million Pound Mission!
By Dennis Strickland June 26, 2017
Relinquished 128 pounds. TOPS two year anniversary in mid-November. Down to 240. Not setting goal weight, but want to cross my leg over a knee and ride bicycle all over town. Best years of my 69 years. One day at a time. Now is the best time, yesterday is gone forever, and who knows about tomorrow. Lyrics from song i sing. Live it up!
By Sue M. June 26, 2017
You are echoing what my dear mother routinely said to me, “Don’t put off to tomorrow what you can do today.” Dad plainly stated, “Don’t burn daylight.” Still somewhat a procrastinator at 70, I appreciate the reminder and will also share with my TOPS chapter. Thank you.
By Ronette "Ron" Wenberg June 26, 2017
As soon as I read this it brought a great quote to my mind. As a die hard Cubs fan, I (along with akazillion others) have paid so much attention to the past history of the Cubs that last year was so hard to truly embrace and enjoy what was happening. Cubs manager said this on Oct 2016 before the game 4 of the World Series – “Don’t ever permit the pressure to exceed the pleasure”. That can also be said about losing weight. We sometimes mire ourselves in the struggle and the hard work and don’t enjoy or allow ourselves to “take in” the successes – NO matter how small they may be. 1/4 of a lb loss IS a loss! Do that every week of the year and you’ve lost 13 lbs!
How true your words are! Thanks Barb, I love this Monday Moment of Truth too!
By Wanda Jewett June 26, 2017
Thanks Barb! I am determined to live mindfully in the present moment but sometimes I slip. This was a good reminder.
By Kathy Lorber June 26, 2017
So true we need to live in the present . It would lead to a more positive attitude towards starting over not bringing our old baggage of past failures into the picture.
By Judy Hackerd June 26, 2017
I plan to share this article at our chapter meeting Thursday. So true! When we keep our past attempts and failures in the foreground we set ourselves up for failure. I can and I will!
I have lost 25lbs; well on my way to goal. I just joined TOPS 3/16/17 and am aiming to make goal so I can become a KOPS at the next SRD. I was so impressed with the whole organization and especially your energetic motivational speaking.
By Barb Cady June 26, 2017
Thanks so very much!
By Betty Goldow June 26, 2017
Thanks, Barb