“As numb as we are to words of wisdom, we always find our way back to their truths after learning their lessons the hard way.” Ooof, isn’t that the truth?? This is such a powerful essay that addresses an elephant in the room many never call out. I’m glad you did.
Thank you for the reminder that the future doesn’t exist!
Erin! Thank you so much for reading & leaving such a kind note :) seriously appreciate it
I’m glad it resonated. Returning back to more fully inhabit the life I’m living rather than fantasize about a future life is one of those things I’ll need to continually remind myself.
Another absolute hit Tommy! It’s so easy to get stuck in the mindset of worrying or “planning” for the future, that we forget that the present IS the “future”.
I really don’t even use the word anymore. I’m in the era of my life of being focused on being present in everything I do, with everyone I’m around in a generous way that doesn’t drain me but instead makes me full of gratitude. I loved this piece so much, it was a much needed reminder!!
Kayla! Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a nice note :) I love your energy & really appreciate your words
You’re so right on not even using the word anymore haha. I’m also trying to eliminate it from my vocabulary. Catch myself every time I start thinking of the next city I want to visit (Paris) or how cool my summer would be if I moved out to the mountains.
The present is all there is. All we have. All there will ever be.
Balance. For a word that suggests ease and simplicity, I find it to be one of the hardest, if not the hardest, states of being to achieve. I (we?) tend to think in binaries - a life in the mountains, a life in the city, a life as a professional, a life as a writer. I make decisions assuming I must fulfill a highest order priority that ultimately align me with one binary. Chasing the opposite of what we have, neglects balance. But even with balance there is a privilege I cannot ignore.
Ah, maybe the answer to all of this, as you have said, is finding peace in “good enough”.
I’ve always struggled with balance. I race between extremes. I only really know how to go all the way. Two feet in, or two feet out. I think it’s a facet of intensity.
It’s caused some problems in my life--when high school hockey coach wanted me to play but I refused because I wasn’t able to commit 100% or in friendships I feel beginning to fade I make a sharp exit--but I think I’ve been like this since I was young. I’m growing to accept it more and more. Maybe one day, love it.
I think finding peace in good enough is a big part of the answer.
And thank you so much for the kind words :) really means a lot coming from you & appreciate you reading very much
Well written Tommy. I think we’ve struggled forever with the challenges of enjoying the moment you’re in and not spending it in the past or the future (which I agree doesn’t exist and in a sense neither does the past). I was a little late coming to a simple awareness of that struggle in my own thoughts. Life is an amazing journey of joy and pain and change, and I deal with it by following the simple advice on a poster in my office : “Do More of What You Love”. Keep up the great work and thank you 🙏
Grant, thank you so much for reading and leaving such a beautiful reflection. Always makes my day when I hear from you.
You're so right on how both the past and future don't exist.
There's this quote from Naval on how the past is glorified and he doesn't "trust" it anymore which I always thought was such a fascinating way to phrase it. He continues: "A lot of our unhappiness comes from comparing things from the past to the present... Happiness to me is mainly not suffering, not desiring, not thinking too much about the future or the past, really embracing the present moment and the reality of what is, and the way it is."
Do more of what you love is such a beautiful way to summarize it. Gonna keep that in my notes!
Thanks again for the note. Hope you have a lovely rest of your weekend :)
Dulce de leche on everything sounds delightful! 😍
“As numb as we are to words of wisdom, we always find our way back to their truths after learning their lessons the hard way.” Ooof, isn’t that the truth?? This is such a powerful essay that addresses an elephant in the room many never call out. I’m glad you did.
Thank you for the reminder that the future doesn’t exist!
Erin! Thank you so much for reading & leaving such a kind note :) seriously appreciate it
I’m glad it resonated. Returning back to more fully inhabit the life I’m living rather than fantasize about a future life is one of those things I’ll need to continually remind myself.
Thanks again!
It's a reminder I need constantly as well! And you inspired me to write about it this week.
Wishing you a mindful day! :)
That’s so good to hear :) can’t wait to read about it !
Great post. Wonderful wisdoms. Subbed!
Anderson! Thank you so much for reading and leaving a kind note.
So glad to have you here :)
Truly a great read Tommy.
I love the question you asked: "What is prayer?"
Anthony, thank you for reading and the kind words my friend.
Appreciate you :)
Another absolute hit Tommy! It’s so easy to get stuck in the mindset of worrying or “planning” for the future, that we forget that the present IS the “future”.
I really don’t even use the word anymore. I’m in the era of my life of being focused on being present in everything I do, with everyone I’m around in a generous way that doesn’t drain me but instead makes me full of gratitude. I loved this piece so much, it was a much needed reminder!!
Kayla! Thank you so much for reading and leaving such a nice note :) I love your energy & really appreciate your words
You’re so right on not even using the word anymore haha. I’m also trying to eliminate it from my vocabulary. Catch myself every time I start thinking of the next city I want to visit (Paris) or how cool my summer would be if I moved out to the mountains.
The present is all there is. All we have. All there will ever be.
Thank you so much!
Yes all we have is now!
Balance. For a word that suggests ease and simplicity, I find it to be one of the hardest, if not the hardest, states of being to achieve. I (we?) tend to think in binaries - a life in the mountains, a life in the city, a life as a professional, a life as a writer. I make decisions assuming I must fulfill a highest order priority that ultimately align me with one binary. Chasing the opposite of what we have, neglects balance. But even with balance there is a privilege I cannot ignore.
Ah, maybe the answer to all of this, as you have said, is finding peace in “good enough”.
Your words describe my exact experience.
I’ve always struggled with balance. I race between extremes. I only really know how to go all the way. Two feet in, or two feet out. I think it’s a facet of intensity.
It’s caused some problems in my life--when high school hockey coach wanted me to play but I refused because I wasn’t able to commit 100% or in friendships I feel beginning to fade I make a sharp exit--but I think I’ve been like this since I was young. I’m growing to accept it more and more. Maybe one day, love it.
I think finding peace in good enough is a big part of the answer.
And thank you so much for the kind words :) really means a lot coming from you & appreciate you reading very much
And as always Tommy, beautiful and so well written. Everything you write feels like I am holding not only your words but a mirror to my own life.
Well written Tommy. I think we’ve struggled forever with the challenges of enjoying the moment you’re in and not spending it in the past or the future (which I agree doesn’t exist and in a sense neither does the past). I was a little late coming to a simple awareness of that struggle in my own thoughts. Life is an amazing journey of joy and pain and change, and I deal with it by following the simple advice on a poster in my office : “Do More of What You Love”. Keep up the great work and thank you 🙏
Grant, thank you so much for reading and leaving such a beautiful reflection. Always makes my day when I hear from you.
You're so right on how both the past and future don't exist.
There's this quote from Naval on how the past is glorified and he doesn't "trust" it anymore which I always thought was such a fascinating way to phrase it. He continues: "A lot of our unhappiness comes from comparing things from the past to the present... Happiness to me is mainly not suffering, not desiring, not thinking too much about the future or the past, really embracing the present moment and the reality of what is, and the way it is."
Do more of what you love is such a beautiful way to summarize it. Gonna keep that in my notes!
Thanks again for the note. Hope you have a lovely rest of your weekend :)