For several years now I have been interested in 'self-help' books on how to improve myself and my life. I was so taken by many quotes from all these books so I started handwriting them into a notebook. And, I started adding my own 'quotes' (thoughts of mine on different subjects, as well).
I often pick up that notebook, read a few pages, just to reset, get my focus back in line with what I want out of life and I find it very calming. I do use some of those quotes in my blog and instagram posts.
Several months ago I read 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. I wondered at great length about this quote: "Because I don't live in either my past or my future, I'm interested only in the present."
I got to thinking of what it might mean. How do we not live in the past? That's where our footsteps have already taken us. I don't see living in the future for we know not whether we will have a future. The past, though, is where our memories are (good and bad) and those events shaped us into who we are today. What are your thoughts on this?
Exactly! I wonder if Coelho actually believes that. My memories sustain and warm me.
ReplyDeleteEverything and everyone that I have known in the past has in some way had an effect on me so how can I avoid being interested in the past, even if I wanted to. Which I don't. GM
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. My past is what has shaped me, the people I've met and the experiences I've had.
ReplyDeleteMaybe he's talking about 'living in the past' as not moving forward in life? You shouldn't hold on to grudges; or you should forgive so that you aren't stuck with past hurts?
I think that ruminating on the 'bad' memories just reinforces them, like playing the same mistakes over and over when learning a piano piece, or always thinking 'here comes the bit I can't play' as the top of page 2 approaches. So now I try and live in the good memories. The future is so unknown I try not to dwell on worst case scenarios. I think 'smile, it might never happen'. It sort of works for me...
ReplyDeleteToday is what matters. To try and live the day with as much kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity as possible.
ReplyDeleteI try to live in the Today world...I can't change Yesterday, and I don't know what's coming so...I just have today...
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
hugs
Donna
I try to live today.....today. I don't look back or live on the past with regret.....there is no way anything can be changed......but I do look back on many sweet memories. I do not live for the future....because we are never sure what tomorrow will be or if it will be. I am grateful for each day I wake up to have. I loved your post! Wishing you a merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteOn the face of it, I'd say that he means not dwelling in the past, where memories were made but regrets possibly lie. Certainly we bring the past into our present on a daily basis because it helps shape who we will be in the future. Just my two cents. I so enjoy reading your blog and hope you have a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteLatane, I think we should live in the present, but never forget the past becvause those memories and experiences can guide us through today and the future.
ReplyDelete