By: Ryan Husband

If you’re like me, you’ve spent a lot of your life planning for the future. Dreaming, visualizing, writing, rehearsing, or preparing for one day or one moment. Doing this is incredibly important and is a huge key to finding yourself in successful outcomes. However, one of the hardest parts about setting goals, future plans, or dreaming about outcomes is the way these things make you feel in the current moment.

You’ll find yourself looking back at the past, creating an illusion that things were better or easier then. You’ll be so caught up in the past situation or future outcome, you’ll forget to live in your current moment. And you’ll live without contentment because of your constant search for the next best thing.

Again, I’m not saying you shouldn’t dream. Dreaming and believing in your dream will be the thing that pulls you toward your future. But today, I want you to know that the illusion of the past, the challenge of the current moment, and the lust or presence of a future moment will never be the result of personal contentment. Whether it’s the past, present, or future, you’ll endure different challenges, but finding contentment in these challenges will give you peace and help you more easily maneuver your way to future opportunities.

Illusion of the Past

Nostalgia is defined as a sentimental, longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations. When looking back at a younger moment in your life, you’ll easily find yourself wishing you could go back and live that season of life over again. However, it's important to remember that the past is nothing but a memory, and memories are not always accurate or reliable. It's easy to look back at the past with rose-colored glasses and forget the struggles and challenges that were present at the time.

It's important to acknowledge and appreciate the good memories of the past, but not to dwell on them or long for them. Instead, focus on the present moment and the opportunities it brings.

Embracing the Present

The present moment is YOUR moment, and it’s the best moment because it’s the only moment you can relate most closely to. It’s the complete version of your current struggles and accomplishments, unfazed by perception, it’s reality. It's easy to get caught up in the past or future and forget to live in the present. However, the present moment is where you have the power to make a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.

Embracing the present means acknowledging your current struggles and challenges, but also recognizing the opportunities and blessings that are present in your life right now. It means taking the time to appreciate the people and experiences that make your life meaningful and finding joy in the small moments of everyday life.

The Constant Search for More

One of the most important things to come to grips with in life is understanding that you are wired to constantly want more. The battle is fighting this longing to be where your feet are and to take in everything you can to make yourself better for the future moment you’re working for. However, it's important to remember that the pursuit of more can never bring true contentment.

Instead of constantly searching for the next best thing, focus on being present and finding contentment in the current moment. This doesn't mean you shouldn't have goals or aspirations for the future, but it means recognizing that true happiness and fulfillment come from within, not from external achievements or possessions.

Remember, every season brings its own challenges. Embrace those challenges, find contentment in the present moment, and keep your eyes fixed on your goals for the future. By doing so, you'll be able to overcome obstacles, find joy in the journey, and create a life that is both fulfilling and meaningful.

Finding Contentment

In life, there will always be challenges. Every season brings its own set of struggles and obstacles. But finding contentment in the present moment can help us navigate these challenges with peace and purpose. By acknowledging past memories without dwelling on them, embracing the opportunities of the present, and resisting the constant search for more, we can find happiness and fulfillment in our lives. So, no matter what season of life you find yourself in, remember to focus on the journey, find joy in the small moments, and keep your eyes fixed on your goals for the future.