The older we get, the easier it is to convince ourselves that the world is on a perpetual downward spiral. We look around in dismay, wondering whatever became of the “good old days.”

True, there are some great things about the memories we hang on to, but we ought to keep in mind that the past benefits from our selective memories. In reality, it’s easier to romanticize the past than to find the best in the present sometimes, because the past won’t argue with our take on reality.

More challenging than reminiscing about our past is living into the present with the same kind of optimism. Otherwise, the risk we run is perpetually living in past-tense, wishing for something that never will come true. All we have is today, so why not make all the best of it we can?

Also, if the past really was so great what was it that we’re missing out on today? If it’s something over which we have control like our personal habits, our jobs or even our waistlines, there’s no time like the present to take charge of “now.”

We talk about living like there’s no tomorrow, but maybe we should try living like there was no yesterday once in a while. Today’s experiences are tomorrow’s memories, so make them the very best you can while you still have the chance!

Written by Kristan Cole