Stress Management: Live in the “Now”

 “It is not the experience of today that drives men mad. It is the remorse for something that happened yesterday and the dread of what tomorrow may disclose.” ~ Robert Jones Burdette (born 1844) American Author

In that simple sentence, he captured the two most popular forms of stress: guilt and worry. Guilt looks to the past with feelings of dejection, depression, and anger at an event or encounter that didn’t end favorably for you. Worry uses up precious present moments being occupied with feelings over something that might happen.

Mark Twain, the great American humorist, said, “I have experienced many horrible things in my lifetime…a few of which actually happened.” His statement illustrates the point that we become fixated on things in the future that may never happen.

Whether your mind is occupied with either guilt or worry, you are throwing away the irreplaceable “now”. Since history cannot be changed, the powerful person will “let go” and move on. As the future can be affected, the powerful person will make appropriate plans so history becomes written the way they prefer the past to be remembered.

Burdette’s last advice on how to live free from fear and apprehension is to forget worry about two days of the week: “One of these days is yesterday … and the other day I do not worry about is tomorrow.”

He lived in the NOW and enjoyed life one day at a time.

Increase your effectiveness and reduce your stress levels by following his advice and don’t forget to take time to enjoy the flowers and the sunshine.

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