Month: June 2025

“Forever is composed of nows.”

This quote is by Emily Dickinson, an American poet who lived in the 1800s.  Her poems are well known and they are regularly part of literature courses at universities and high schools.

Dickinson’s words are a reminder that what we do and say each day matters.  That it’s not just certain occasions or times of accomplishment that have value (although they do also), but that every day does.  Often in our modern world there is an emphasis on what is coming next rather than on making the most of the present.

It’s special to see how young children naturally live in the present.  I often take my grandson, who is a toddler, to a park near his home.  As I watch him enjoying running from place to place and playing on the playground equipment, I’m reminded of this.  And when I am with him and feeling happy that he is happy and healthy, I too appreciate the present, for my focus is on what he is doing and not on something I need to do later.

Each day there are opportunities to treat each other with kindness and respect, to be nonjudgmental, to offer our assistance, to express gratitude, and in many other ways to do our part to add to that which is positive in our world.  And during the times when we are not with others, to spend the gift of time well no matter what we’re doing.  That can include exercising, doing housework, walking the dog—all of these activities matter too.  Silent prayer while doing such activities adds even more value to what we are doing.

For those who are not already doing so, I encourage you to learn about Jungian psychology and through that to endeavor to be more conscious persons.  Becoming more conscious adds positive change and meaning to our lives, helping us to live each day more fully.  I especially recommend Jungian analyst John A. Sanford’s books.  And it certainly can be beneficial to meet with a Jungian therapist.

Everything we do each day makes up our “forever.”  Whatever we are able to do to add to that which is good and right for others and for ourselves adds purpose, meaning, and beauty to that forever.

“God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say ‘thank you’?”

This quote is by William Arthur Ward who was an American motivational writer.  He was known for writing positive sayings which appeared in many publications and other media.

This quote caught my attention, both because of the importance of expressing our thankfulness and also because of the unique way Ward reminds us of the gift of life, of the 86,400 seconds of life we have each day.

As we go about our day doing the various activities we need to do, it can be easy to take for granted the many things for which we should be grateful–our families and friends, health, abilities, jobs, people who have been positive influences, and the opportunities that come our way.  And the clean air we breathe, the birdsong we hear, the beauty of the sky, and the many other aspects of nature, not only in the countryside but also in urban areas.  The list of things for which we should be thankful goes on and on.

Focusing on the many blessings we have rather than on what we don’t have adds to our sense of wellbeing and helps us to be more positive in general.  In fact, there are research studies that have found that this approach helps to decrease the effects of depression and other mental illnesses.

Each day is a gift from our Creator.  It’s important to value that gift and, as Ward reminds us, to say thank you for that gift.