“Live each day like it’s your last.”
I tried to find the origin of that quote, but it’s been
attributed to everyone from Ray Charles to an old Hebrew saying. I can see what they’re going for. We shouldn’t put off doing the
things we’re always wanted to do, or ending a grudge, or hugging our loved
ones, because one day it will be too late. But there’s a problem.
If we truly lived each day like it was our last, we’d never
plant a garden, or raise a child, or write a book. We’d never even crack open a James Michener novel. All these things take time, and faith. We have to believe
that the seeds we plant in the garden today will mean fresh green beans to eat and share in a few months. We have to believe, though all those
diaper changes and midnight feedings, that this baby will grow and thrive. We
have to believe that these words we put on the pages everyday will grow into
the story we’re trying to tell.
A better motto, I think, might be “Trust in Tomorrow.”
Because most great things can’t be accomplished in a day.
Like most things in life, it’s all about balance. So sure,
let go of that grudge and reconcile with someone. Take the time to go for a
walk in the park with someone you love. Schedule a date to try skydiving. Have
a piece of Key lime pie. Do it today.
But spend the rest of the day making progress toward a greater
goal. Dream big. Tomorrow will come.
What do you think? Is there
something you’ve always meant to do that you can do today? Or are you busy
working toward a larger goal? How do you find balance?
