CHAPTER 7
Embracing the Present: Unlocking the Gift of Now for a Brighter Future
Imagine life as a constant state of being, where the present moment is the most important thing you can focus on. To be present is to fully engage with the here and now, without getting lost in thoughts of the past or worries about the future. When we are present, we open ourselves up to the beauty of life as it unfolds, allowing us to appreciate each moment for what it truly is.
Being present can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s about self-awareness—knowing who they are and making conscious choices. For others, being present means enjoying the company of loved ones, and embracing the joy of shared moments. Still, for others, it could be about accepting themselves fully, without self-doubt or questioning the events happening in their lives. Yet, no matter how we define it, everything in life is deeply connected to this notion of presence.
The word “present” carries multiple meanings. One of the most delightful interpretations of the word comes in the form of gifts we give and receive on birthdays, holidays, or special occasions. These presents, or gifts, are precious because they represent thought, effort, and care. Just like those physical gifts, the present moment—the current phase of your life—holds immense value. It is something to be treasured, appreciated, and lived fully.
Before you waste your present by overthinking who is or isn’t important in your life, or by dwelling on how much significance you hold in the eyes of others, pause for a moment. The world might not always look the way you expect it to, and not everyone will meet your expectations. But being present means focusing on the here and now, making the most of the opportunities and experiences life has given you.
When you obsess over the past, you’re robbing yourself of the present. The past, as important as it may seem, no longer has control over what you’re doing right now. Likewise, when you constantly worry about the future, you lose sight of the present. The future is not written; it’s something you’ll eventually call the “present” when you reach it. So, why not focus on making this current moment the best it can be?
Choosing to live in the present is like choosing to embrace a precious gift. Imagine going to a party and giving someone a thoughtful present. You put effort and care into selecting the perfect gift, but when the recipient opens it, they seem disappointed. Maybe they were expecting something different, or maybe they’ve already received the same gift from someone else. How would that make you feel? It would likely discourage you from putting that much effort into a future gift for that person.
In the same way, if you fail to appreciate the gift of the present moment, you might be discouraging life—or the universe—from giving you more of what you deserve. The present is a gift that has been handed to you by a higher power, and it’s up to you to make the most of it. Don’t waste this gift by dwelling on things you cannot change, like the past or the uncertain future.
When you live in the present, you have the power to shape your future. The best part about being present is that you are fully aware of what you’re doing. Every step you take in the present moment can make your future brighter. While it’s important to acknowledge the lessons from the past, don’t let them hold you back. Instead, use those lessons to guide you forward.
Yes, the past and future are important, but the present is what truly matters. In the present, you can feel content, confident, and even rebellious against the things that once held you back. This moment is in your control, and there’s something incredibly empowering about that. Control over your life, over your decisions, and your mindset is essential. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers right now, but knowing what you don’t want to do is already a step in the right direction.
Once you let others take control of your life—whether it’s by letting them influence your thoughts, actions, or decisions—you lose that power. Soon, you might find that everyone around you seems to be pulling the strings, making choices for you, and dictating how you should live. But if you keep control of your life, your choices, and your present moment, you retain the ability to create the future you desire.
Control doesn’t mean having all the answers or knowing exactly what you want. Sometimes, it’s about knowing what you don’t want and allowing that awareness to guide your next steps. When you stop doing things that don’t serve you, you free up time and energy to pursue the things that truly matter.
Patience is also key. Just like when you crave a delicious dessert after a meal, you have to wait for it to be prepared and served. Similarly, if you want the best life has to offer, you need to work towards it and wait for it to unfold. Good things don’t happen overnight, but with effort, persistence, and the right mindset, they eventually come.
Your present is your best gift. It’s something to be cherished, celebrated, and lived with intention. If you start viewing your life this way—if you approach each day as an opportunity to shape your future—you’ll find that the present offers you everything you need.
Surround yourself with people who are just as conscious about their lives as you are. The company you keep will influence how you live. If you’re around people who take life seriously and work hard for what they want, you’re more likely to do the same. But if you surround yourself with people who are indifferent to their progress, it’s easy to fall into that same mindset.
Before you start worrying about your future or regretting your past, remember this: the present is in your hands. No one can take it away from you. You have the power to make the most of it, and in doing so, you set yourself up for a future full of possibilities. The present is a gift, and if you treat it with care, it will multiply, giving you even more to look forward to.
Live in the moment, take control of your life, and don’t let anyone—or anything—dictate how you feel about your journey. The present is precious, and it’s the key to unlocking your best future.
