Today is a gift, and here's why

Today is most certainly a gift. That's why they call it the present. 

Yesterday is in the past and cannot be changed.

Tomorrow has yet to arrive. While we can plan for the future in certain ways, we'll never be in control of it entirely.

All we have is the present moment to shape our lives in whatever ways we see fit.

Right now, the present seems a little bleak because of the coronavirus pandemic we're all grappling with.

But as I advised in my last posts, there are myriad things we can do with the additional downtime -- from enjoying existing hobbies or cultivating new ones to striving toward goals like learning a new language or how to play a musical instrument.

American composer Irving Berlin said that life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent
how you take it.

In other words, we spend the bulk of our lives responding to events over which we have little control. And the rest of it really depends on us.

We're responding to this health crisis by staying indoors and practicing social distancing (or, at least, those responsible enough to adhere to orders are doing as much).

The virus is no one's fault, obviously, but how judiciously we follow the edicts of officials will ultimately determine whether this thing sticks around another month or two, or another year.

If people continue descending on parks and beaches, it will only promote further transmission and prolong the pandemic.

While you can't make the present exactly how you want it to be, you can take steps now -- plant the seeds, if you will -- toward making it a reality in the near future.

For example, you may not be able to get that promotion now because of a hiring freeze, but it might be wise to articulate how you feel so that your supervisor keeps you in mind for when the freeze is finally lifted.

Things may not turn out exactly as you wish, but you can take comfort in the fact that you gave it your best and can then decide whether it's time to make a change, whatever that might be.

But being confined to the past or apprehensive about the future will only cause you to miss out on the opportunity to savor today.

Don't deprive yourself of happiness.

Accept what is (while actively aiming to make the present as great as possible), let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.

The day is yours to seize.

Stay safe -- and healthy!